Why is it important?
On average, obese people take four extra sick days per year (Harvey et al., 2010) which has implications for people’s health and the workplace. Research has shown (BMJ 20 17) substantial short-term and long-term costs to businesses from overweight or obese employees through absenteeism, presenteeism, indirect costs and productivity loss.
In Milton Keynes and Central Bedfordshire, the self-reported percentage of people overweight or obese is larger than the regional average at 66-70%. In Bedford Borough 63% of people report they are overweight or obese, similar to the regional average.
Being overweight or obese leads to an increased risk of many additional health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, back problems, respiratory complaints, cancers, eyesight problems and mental health challenges caused by low self-esteem, social exclusion and stigma.
Employees who are physically active take 27% fewer sick days than inactive employees (British Heart Foundation 2016). Physical inactivity is a high risk factor for ill health and mortality. People who have a physically active lifestyle have a 20-35% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and stroke as well as a reduced risk of diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and colon/breast cancer and have improved mental health.
The following resources provide information to promote healthy weight and physical activity in your workplace:
The following Healthy Eating and Physical Activity services are available to you and your employees locally
- MoreLife provide free weight management services for employees living in Milton Keynes, Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire, as well as a range of free advice services and training to Milton Keynes, Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire workplaces. Please see the Workplace Health and Wellbeing Service Offer.
- Weight Watchers or Slimming World. Offer weight management programmes.
- NHS Choices. For advice, tips and tools to support health and wellbeing
- Leap provide a host of resources and information to encourage adults, living in Milton Keynes, to keep moving.
- The MKCC Sports Development team supports and co-ordinates a range of sporting and recreation opportunities for everyone across Milton Keynes.
- The Bedford Borough Sports Development Team supports and co-ordinates a range of sporting and recreation opportunities for everyone across Bedford Borough.
- Be Active Beds provide a range of services to encourage people in Bedfordshire to be physically active.
- Modeshift is a sustainable travel organisation offering resources and rewards schemes for organisations.
- Milton Keynes Get Smarter Travel provides a range of services to support active travel in the workplace. The latest 2022-2023 Workplace Health and Wellbeing Service Offer brochure can be downloaded here.
- BBC Active Travel team provides a range of services to support active travel in the workplace. The latest 2022-2023 Workplace Health and Wellbeing Service Offer brochure can be downloaded here.
- CBC Active Travel team provides a range of services to support active travel in the workplace. The latest 2022-2023 Workplace Health and Wellbeing Service Offer brochure can be downloaded here.