Virgin HealthMiles' Pay-for-Prevention approach aims to reduce U.S. obesity rates

Today, Virgin HealthMiles, a provider of incentives-based health and productivity programs for business and government, lent its support to the newly-launched Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, which aims to help reduce U.S. obesity rates by increasing access and opportunities for physical activity, healthier nutrition options and raising awareness of the energy balance approach -- in the marketplace, in the workplace and in schools.

According to the Foundation, "Investing in the health of employees is one of the most pivotal actions employers can take to improve employee productivity and overall success of a company. Studies show that obesity-related disorders cost employers nearly 40 million lost workdays, 239 million restricted activity days and 63 million doctor visits each year." Over 120 leading organizations, representing more than 500,000 employees, have implemented the Virgin HealthMiles program, which offers a measurable, incentives-based approach to helping employees become more active and helping employers benefit from a healthier, more productive and engaged workforce.

Virgin HealthMiles' Pay-for-Prevention™ approach, based on physical activity and healthy lifestyle change, attracts an average of 40% of employees who participate. Client data collected by Virgin HealthMiles corroborates the value of increased physical activity and incentives in improving health and lowering health care costs. Virgin HealthMiles supports the Foundation's goals of promoting and offering incentives for increased activity in the workplace.

"It's very encouraging to see organizations such as the new Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation recognize the tremendous value of tapping the workplace as a key pillar to help people become more active," said Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin HealthMiles. "Data shows that people take their health cues from their social ties. And since most adult Americans spend a third of their day at work, this is a perfect community around which to become healthier and more active. Improving employee health and lowering employee health care costs is essential to the long term success of the U.S. economy, and we salute the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation for undertaking this important mission."