Obesity in the Workplace: What Can We Do to Battle the Bulge?

Obesity is a complex public health issue that has only recently been acknowledged as having multiple factors including physical, psychological and genetic causes. The relationship between obesity and work is complex. Routines and behaviours at work can influence eating and exercising habits, which will impact a person’s lifestyle and wellbeing, generally.

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The Science of Obesity

Despite the robust body of research on the causes and effects of obesity, this disease is often inaccurately characterized as a lifestyle failure that stems from poor individual choices about nutrition and physical activity. Diet and exercise are contributors, but a variety of genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and systemic factors also predispose people to a higher risk of obesity.

To combat the mischaracterization of obesity as a lifestyle failure, the global medical community has increased its efforts to understand obesity as a disease. The American Medical Association, World Health Organization, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Obesity Society, Institute of Medicine, and American Association for Clinical Endocrinology have all classified obesity as a disease.

This acknowledgment represents a shift by physicians and public health officials to make comprehensive prevention and treatment options for people living with obesity a priority. These options include pharmacotherapy and surgical intervention over typically inadequate general lifestyle recommendations—that is, blanket behavioral prescriptions of “better diet and exercise.”

The Case of Obesity in Vietnam Workplace

The workplace as the world once knew it has changed dramatically since the outbreak of COVID-19, but the urgency to address obesity in the workplace has arguably grown stronger. It is important to minimize the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, given the strong correlations between underlying chronic conditions and severe COVID-19 associated illness. All employers and employees are beginning to adapt to a new normal where workplace health and wellness promotion, in whatever form that may take, can help mitigate the devastating impact of the pandemic.

Obesity among younger professionals in Vietnam is a concern that arises from the same factors mentioned earlier, such as changing dietary patterns, sedentary lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and socioeconomic factors. However, there are additional challenges that may contribute to obesity in this specific demographic:

• Sedentary work environment: Most professionals in Vietnam work in office settings that require long hours of sitting and limited physical movement. Sedentary jobs, coupled with high workloads and demands, can make it difficult to prioritize physical activity during the workday.

• Stress and work-life imbalance: The demands of professional life can lead to increased stress levels and difficulties in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Stress can contribute to emotional eating and unhealthy coping mechanisms, leading to weight gain.

• Fast-paced lifestyles: Hectic schedules, little time for meal preparation or engaging in regular physical activity all lead to obesity. This can result in a reliance on quick and convenient but often unhealthy food options.

• Lack of awareness and prioritization: As young professionals embark on their careers, they may prioritize work-related responsibilities over their health and well-being. This can result in neglecting healthy eating habits and physical activity.

What Can We Do?

Addressing obesity among younger professionals in Vietnam requires specific strategies tailored to their work environment and lifestyle. Here are some suggestions:

• Encouraging physical activity during the workday: Employers can promote active breaks, provide access to on-site gyms or exercise facilities, and encourage employees to engage in physical activities such as walking meetings or stretching sessions.

• Workplace wellness programs: Employers can implement wellness programs that focus on educating employees about healthy eating habits, stress management techniques, and the importance of work-life balance. Providing healthier food options in cafeterias or organizing wellness challenges and activities can also be beneficial.

• Flexible working arrangements: Offering flexible work hours or remote work options can allow younger professionals to incorporate physical activity into their routines, such as going to the gym or engaging in outdoor activities during non-traditional working hours.

• Health education and counseling: Providing access to nutrition education and counseling services within the workplace can help raise awareness about healthy eating habits and empower individuals to make informed choices.

• Peer support and accountability: Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture that promotes health and well-being can encourage younger professionals to prioritize their health. Encouraging peer support groups, wellness committees, or fitness challenges can foster a sense of community and accountability.

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