Home > Barriers to Obesity Care > Barrier 5: Misaligned Perceptions of Wellness Offerings
Like people with obesity and health care professionals, the majority of employers (64%) agree that obesity is a disease; however, few employers agree they have at least partial responsibility for employees’ weight loss.
At the same time, employers are motivated to offer wellness programs and more than three quarters (77%) of employers reported providing health and wellness information to employees. Some of these programs include weight management components.
The wellness programs offered by employers are not perceived by the majority of people with obesity as helpful.
A small number of people with obesity (13%) reported that their employer offers insurance coverage for the medical treatment of obesity. Employers cited multiple reasons for their concern around coverage.
Employer manuscript published in Population Health Management
Insights into the Role of Employers Supporting Obesity Management in People with Obesity: Results of the National ACTION Study
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Varying perceptions of the value of wellness programs as well as employer concerns regarding insurance coverage present a barrier to effective obesity management.