A lot of Americans claim that the issues concerning obesity are already ubiquitous. There are far too many facets to be considered. For instance, the rise of the cost of healthcare services as well as insurance has brought to the fore the issue concerning wellness programs in workplace. Some people state that weight should be controlled (and can be controlled) and overweight people should be responsible and stick to certain wellness programs (Jameson, 2010).
Others argue that it can be difficult or even impossible to control weight as there is certain predisposition and people cannot be punished for something they are not responsible for (Tsai & Bessesen, 2012). However, these arguments are a bit far-fetched as researchers claim that weight can be controlled. Of course, it may require extra effort, but the contemporary labor market is highly competitive and all people try to be effective.
In the first place, it is necessary to note that lots of people are tired of the very discussion of the problem. Thus, Jameson (2010) states that a lot of people are frustrated as they think that sometimes they feel guilty for being fit. They stress that they watch what they eat and they try to be fit, which is possible if one stops eating and starts paying more attention to physical activity (Jameson, 2010).
At the same time, some people refer to certain research that shows that there is genetic predisposition and some people simply cannot do anything about their weight (Tsai & Bessesen, 2012). Though, it is necessary to add that the vast majority of researchers claim that obesity and overweight should be treated as any other disorder as these problems are often associated with other serious diseases.
Admittedly, apart from a purely medical facet, there is a constitutional side, so-to-speak. Admittedly, each person has the right to make own choices. If an individual chooses to live a healthy life, it is really good and praiseworthy. However, a person can choose any path and if an individual has nothing against being overweight, it is his/her choice. Unwillingness or inability to live a healthy lifestyle is not a crime, but it is a life choice which people have the right to make.
Nonetheless, the state cannot let people make wrong choices. Of course, it is inappropriate to make people change their lifestyle. No democratic country can do this. However, it is one of the responsibilities of the state to encourage its citizens to be healthy. Therefore, lots of wellness programs should be launched and promoted. One of the ways to encourage people to live a healthy life is to introduce wellness programs in workplace.
This brings the third facet of the issue to the fore. Employers should introduce wellness programs to encourage people to be healthy. Employers offer a variety of perks to win the best employees and to enhance their performance. Medical insurance is one of these perks.
It is necessary to note that medical insurance costs rise, which is a meaningful obstacle for companies struggling with financial constraints. More so, overweight people tend to have health problems, which negatively affects their performance and they can often be on a sick leave. All this can have a negative impact on the overall performance of the company.
Besides, this also makes healthier people less committed to work hard. People who do not have weight issues and overweight people often have equal opportunities and perks, while the latter can be regarded as less effective for a company (regarding insurance costs). It seems fair that each employee should be rewarded in terms of his/her contribution to the company’s development. As far as I am concerned, overweight people should make the effort to be more “cost-effective”, so-to-speak.
Admittedly, it is impossible to discriminate people for the way they look. Nonetheless, companies also need high-profile employees who bring profit. Companies cannot reject candidates who are overweight. However, they should have wellness programs that are thoughtful and effective. This can be regarded as one of the perks as employers can remain fit and healthy. Participating in the wellness program can imply a better insurance package for employees.
At the same time, if an employee does not comply with the rules and ignores the wellness programs it is necessary to penalize him/her. One of the ways to penalize such employees is to provide a reduced insurance package. Basically, penalties will compensate insurance costs. As for the ethical facet, each employee should try to be more competitive. Being healthy and professional can be regarded as being more competitive nowadays.
To sum up, it is necessary to note that overweight people as well as fit people should try to remain competitive. Remaining healthy and participating in a wellness program is a good way to show commitment and readiness to make the extra effort for the company. Therefore, I believe overweight people can be penalized for their unwillingness to participate in wellness programs which are properly developed. This is not a way to discriminate these people; this is the way to encourage them to be healthier.
Reference List
Jameson, M. (2010). Fed up with fat and saying something about it. The Los Angeles Times. Web.
Tsai, A.G., & Bessesen, D. (2012). Obesity and health care: Prevention and support, not penalties. Denverpost. Web.