Physical Activity and Nutrition Policies

 

 

A recent report shows Oklahoma has the 6th highest adult obesity rate in the country.  Businesses have an opportunity to help combat adult obesity.  Many first think of implementing physical activity and nutrition programs.  While it is beneficial to have programs, policies may be more effective.  Policies have the advantage of significantly higher participation rates, create a more powerful change in the health culture of the organization, and can be easily incorporated with other policies and procedures.  Some examples of possible policies include requiring healthy choices at company sponsored events where refreshments are served, add healthy or remove unhealthy choices from vending machines, or negotiate with insurance providers to include free or discounted fitness club memberships to employees.  Have you implemented physical activity or nutrition policies?  Have they been more or less successful than physical activity or nutrition programs?  Have you had issues with enforcing these policies?