THE ECONOMIC COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH BODY-MASS INDEX IN A WORKPLACE

This study was undertaken to determine ifa progressive correlation exi sts between body mass index (BMI), health cal-e costs, and absenteeism and to identify an economically optimal BMI. We studied 3,066 First C hicago NBD employees by using health risk appraisals and personnel dat a. Analysis was completed Sor those employees with and without a risk Sor BMI. People at risk for BMI are more likely to have additional hea lth risks, short-term disability and illness absence, and higher healt h care casts than those not at risk for BMI. A ''J-shaped'' curve betw een health care costs and BMI exists, with the low point occurring at about 25 to 27 kg/m(2). We concluded that indirect and direct costs to an employer increase with increasing BMI. Employers may benefit from helping employees achieve a healthy weight. The initial target populat ion should be those who are at highest risk of complications from obes ity.