Evidence of America's growing obesity problem can be seen everywhere — from the classroom to the workplace. The consequences weigh on the minds of not only the afflicted, but employers as well. The effect that this national health care crisis is having on the American health care system and workplace is substantial.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just over 66% of adults in the U.S. are classified as overweight, of which 32% are classified as obese. Since 1980, the percentage of American adults classified as obese has increased from 15% to 34%, and 2007 marked the first time more Americans qualified as obese rather than overweight. Additionally, nearly 80% of the population of obese adults has associated physical, psychological, and social health problems.

Therefore, employers, insurers, and lawmakers, among other groups, are considering various initiatives and implementing various programs both preventative and wellness-related, that they hope will be effective in combating obesity and its associated health problems. The actions seem to be having a positive effect, as some CDC surveys found no significant increase in obesity prevalence among children, adolescents, women, or men between 2003–2004 and 2005–2006.

The Hewitt trends bulletin linked to below examines the effects of obesity on society and employers and their group health plans, as well as obesity initiatives at the federal and state levels.