A Comprehensive Obesity Benefit: Guidance for Occupational and Environmental Medicine Professionals

Obesity is a prevalent, chronic disease that significantly affects employee health, safety, productivity, and healthcare costs across industries. Occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) physicians are uniquely positioned to influence workforce health strategies addressing obesity through clinical leadership and health benefit plan design. This guidance paper examines the burden of obesity in working populations, describes the role of OEM physicians across corporate and non-corporate practice settings, and presents a practical framework for operationalizing the STOP Obesity Alliance Comprehensive Obesity Benefit. By outlining evidence-based treatment modalities, structured and adaptable approaches to obesity management, and implementation strategies, this paper aims to support employers in improving employees’ functional capacity, health, safety, and productivity.