Weight Management Workshop for holiday season

PureWellness, Inc. the leading provider of online wellness programs to employers and health plans, today announced the launch of their first annual Beat the Holiday Bulge Challenge.

The Challenge allows each of the twenty participating organizations to participate in a structured Weight Management Workshop which targets weight reduction as well as weight maintenance throughout the holiday season. The entire workshop is offered online and allows employees from each organization to follow a step-by-step process in managing their weight.

"Everyone knows obesity is one of the nation's leading health risks. What people don't know is how much that costs the nation and the employers that fund benefit plans. According to a study published in the July, 2009 issue of the health policy journal Health Affairs, the annual healthcare cost associated with obesity may have reached 147 billion dollars in 2008," said Ron Keen, President at PureWellness. "We are pleased to sponsor this unique event that is designed to help employees manage their weight when most needed, during the high risk holiday season. "

Participating organizations in the Beat the Holiday Bulge Challenge represent multiple industries and a shared commitment to the health and wellness of their employees. Competing organizations include Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel of Pueblo, CO, St. Vincent's Health System of Birmingham, AL, and the Polk County School Board Wellness Program in Lakeland FL.

"Based on national standards, our employees could gain up to 70,000 pounds over this holiday season. This is a tremendous opportunity to partner with PureWellness to curtail this trend. Our 14,000 employees are excited to benefit from Beat the Holiday Bulge Challenge. Bring it on!" said Debbie Zimmerman, MBA, wellness manager for the Polk County School Board Wellness Program in Lakeland FL.

To follow the progress of these organizations as they help their employees focus on weight management throughout the holiday season, please go to www.purewellness.com and click on Beat the Holiday Bulge.