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Healthcare Costs Health care costs are out of control and poor lifestyle habits are largely to blame. The cost of physical inactivity can be measured when considering; 70% - 80% of employees experience no physical activity and increase their health risks. In fact, 15% of health care expenditures are a result of lifestyle. Employers can conclude 15% of the company's annual health care expense is a result of inactivity, poor nutrition and/or blood circulation, Nearly 1-in-3 Americans are considered obese with the number climbing each year. About 12% of health care expenses are directly related to obesity. A company with $1 million in annual premiums has an obesity burden of $120,000. This relates directly to costs associated with treating obesity-related conditions. To compound the issue, treating obesity medical conditions costs approximately $1,200 in additional expense per employee, increased risk of complications, slower recovery, and more medication. Poor nutrition together with obesity and sedentary lifestyle further complicates employees health issues and are the two key drivers in our nation's obesity pandemic. Poor nutrition is directly correlated with four of the top 10 causes of death - heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Altogether, if you factor in the costs of inactivity, obesity, and poor nutrition, 35% - 40% of a company's premiums can be attributed. If you add tobacco-related costs, 70% of a company's health care costs are calculated. Befitbody is a corporate wellness, nutrition and health coaching company in Portland also serving Seattle, Boise, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas |