 In South Africa today, more people are dying from obesity, and obesity related diseases than poverty, and this on a continent infamous for malnutrition and famine. In August 2004, National Geographic Magazine reported that more than 24% of our population is obese – that is almost the same as the USA ! Equally, a survey by Hewitt Associates, the world's foremost provider of human resources outsourcing and consulting services, involving more than 500 major U.S. employers covering more than 6 million employees and family members, found that US companies expect the cost of healthcare to increase by 12%. Since they report that these companies can only afford an 8% percent increase, they are looking to other ways to reduce their medical spending.
“By influencing healthy employee behaviours through integrated health management, employers are finding significant opportunities for cost savings, perhaps as much as 5 to 7 percent.”
Hewitt Associates, January 2005 .
At least 72% of the respondents in the Hewitt survey offer their employees education and training on health-related issues. The time for South African companies to embrace a pro-active approach to employee health is now.
| 
