Obese workers in the US cost their employers millions, a study has revealed, suggesting that more needs to be done to encourage people to put on their gym clothing and exercise.

Researchers from Duke-National University of Singapore foundthat the cost of obesity among US full-time employees is around $73.1 billion (£45.9 billon).

They worked out the per-capita cost of obesity among full-time workers by adding together the cost of employee medical expenditures, lost productivity on the job due to health problems and absence from work.

The results suggested that the per capita costs of obesity are as high as $16,900 (£10,600) for obese women with a body mass index of more than 40.

Lost productivity makes up the largest share of those costs, the study, published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, reveals.

Lead researcher Eric Finkelstein, deputy director for health services and systems research at Duke-National University, said: "These findings point to the need to identify cost-effective strategies that employers can offer to reduce obesity rates and costs for employees and families."

Earlier this week, researchers from the University of Montreal revealed that office workers take part in less exercise than they did thirty years ago.

Posted by Sue Wallis ADNFCR-2569-ID-800106259-ADNFCR

Sport & Fitness Clothing News - Latest Stories

Danger of exercise to hypertensive people 'blocked'

Posted on 06-Apr-11

Scientists have found a way of preventing a greater increase in the blood pressure of women with hypertension when they exercise in their ladies running clothing.

Sport for all initiative hailed a success

Posted on 06-Apr-11

People of all ages, abilities and walks of life donned their gym clothing recently to take part in free sports sessions at the University of Nottingham.

Exercise 'keeps the heart young'

Posted on 05-Apr-11

Women who exercise regularly throughout their lives have stronger, healthier hearts than those who do not don their ladies fitness clothing often, a study has suggested.

Using own body mass 'is helpful in resistance exercise'

Posted on 04-Apr-11

Older women can benefit from donning their gym clothing and taking part in resistance exercises that include using their own body weight.

Progressive resistance training 'is good for seniors'

Posted on 01-Apr-11

Progressive resistance training can help elderly women to improve their strength in their ladies fitness clothing.