Association of worksite wellness center attendance with weight loss and health care cost savings: Mayo Clinic's experience

J Occup Environ Med. 2015 Mar;57(3):229-34. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000392.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of wellness center attendance on weight loss and costs.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using employee data, administrative claims, and electronic health records. A total of 3199 employees enrolled for 4 years (2007 to 2010) were included. Attendance was categorized as follows: 1 to 60, 61 to 180, 181 to 360, and more than 360 visits. Weight loss was defined as moving to a lower body mass index category. Total costs included paid amounts for both medical and pharmacy services.

Results: Subjects with 181 to 360 and more than 360 visits were 46% (P = 0.05) and 72% (P = 0.01) more likely to have body mass index improvement compared with those with 1 to 60 visits. Compared with the mean annual cost of $13,267 for 1 to 60 visits, the mean for subjects with 61 to 180, 181 to 360, and more than 360 visits had significantly lower costs at $9538, $9332 and $8293, respectively (all P < 0.01). Higher attendance was associated with weight loss and significantly lower annual costs.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cost Savings
  • Female
  • Fitness Centers*
  • Health Care Costs*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health Services*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Weight Loss*
  • Workplace