Successful Weight Management in a Corporate Environment

Fiserv, Inc., a company of 22,000 employees, conducted a health risk assessment in the fall of 2004 that revealed that fewer than 20% of employees and their spouses were getting recommended physical activity and two thirds were overweight or obese, posing potentially large cost consequences for the company. In October 2005, a 4,000-employee division of Fiserv, Inc. launched a pilot of the Healthy You Fitness Challenge for employees. During the 10-week challenge, employees formed teams to track minutes of physical activity and weight. Incentives for participation included a cash prize of $2,500 for the top team and either a half or full day off from work for those who met set goals. The challenge drew 1933 employees or 48% participation. Altogether 82% of participants met goals to win a full day (78%) or a half day (4%) off. In a post-challenge survey, 96% reported moderate or greater daily activity compared to 62% in the pre-challenge survey, 14% reported reduction in chronic disease medications, 70% said...