The fat of the land

Preview figures from a new government report due out this Friday reveal that a third of all men in the UK will be obese in less than five years. The report aims to tackle the issue of obesity in the UK and relieve the pressure on the NHS. Rory Murphy of leading health and wellbeing provider, FirstAssist, believes that employers can ñ and must ñ play a crucial part in tackling this issue: ìEmployers have a moral obligation to help staff lose weight and lead healthy, happy lives. Obesity costs the NHS 1billion a year and if employers donít take action now they are just part of the problem.î

Weight Concern figures reveal that in the 1980s just 6% of people in the UK were obese, but estimates suggest that that will rise to 30% by 2010. As the government takes action to help individuals make the necessary changes to their lifestyle, FirstAssist believes employers also need to look at the health of their staff and take the responsibility to look after them - in and out of the office.

Murphy explains, ìObesity can lead to a string of other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer and these all combine to put an incredible strain on the NHS. But given that people spend a significant part of their lives at work, employers can play a significant role in the health of the nation.

ìThis new government initiative is about helping people help themselves, which is exactly what employers can do. Organisations in both the private and public sectors should be looking at support initiatives such as workplace health checks and providing staff with access to nutritional advice. Encouraging exercise by providing subsidised gym membership or putting up bike racks in the car park can help create a work culture focused on a healthy lifestyle and work life balance.

ìIn addition, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) can help employers assist their staff on all matters of health and wellbeing. Access to counselling and additional support through EAPs means employers can take a holistic approach to the health of their staff and secure the future productivity of their workforce.

ìThe government is responding to the obesity crisis, so itís time for employers to help win this heavyweight battle.î

Rory Murphy ñ Head of Commercial, FirstAssist

Rory Murphyís wealth of knowledge in change management and human resources make him a key commentator on health and wellbeing in the workplace. Rory is known for his strong views and wealth of knowledge in change management and human resources. Prior to joining FirstAssist, Rory held a number of high profile positions at some of the largest unions across the country. In 2004, he joined AMICUS, the countryís largest private sector union, as Assistant General Secretary, having previously been joint general secretary of UNIFI, the UKís eleventh largest TUC Union and the largest specialist finance union in Europe.