The Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation teamed up with M and I Bank as part of the Lighten Up Wisconsin Program. Jordan Bingham of the nonprofit group says the 550 enrolled workers had a couple of fitness options including a weight loss division. She says two-thirds enrolled in the weight loss division and shed a total of 1000 lbs of weight in 100 days.
Workers are not the only ones who benefit from these types of programs. Employers can see financial gain as a result of less employee sick time, reduced medical expenses and higher productivity, according to Bingham. She says research is showing, on the low end $3 to $4 dollars in return for every $1 invested by companies for work-site wellness programs. She claims the number can be as high at $12 per $1 invested.