As obesity is becoming a major health problem in American society, employers are offering more weight-loss programs for workers. Employers are concerned not only with the welfare of their employees but also controlling rising health care costs. According to the National Business Group on Health, the total cost of obesity to U.S. companies is estimated at $13 billion annually, and it accounts for 9.1 percent of total annual medical care expenses.
See "Bosses working harder to cut fat, build health of employees", Amy Joyce, Chicago Tribune, March 29, 2004