Workplace programmes can improve health - study

GENEVA (Reuters) - Workplace programmes targeting physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits are effective in mitigating the impact of obesity, diabetes and heart disease, according to a study published on Monday.

Deaths from non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes are forecast to rise 17 percent in 2005-2015, said the joint study by business thinktank the World Economic Forum and the U.N.'s World Health Organisation (WHO).

The impact of these deaths and health problems on the economies of different countries is dramatic, with China forecast to lose $557.7 billion in the period, Russia $303.2 billion and India $236.6 billion, it said.

"Enhancing employee productivity, improving corporate image and moderating medical care costs are some of the arguments that might foster senior management to initiate and invest in WHP (workplace health promotion) programmes," it said.

Unhealthy diets and excessive energy intake, physical inactivity and tobacco use are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases, it said.

In 2005 about 35 million people died of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, accounting for 60 percent of all deaths worldwide, it said.

This is projected to rise to 47 million deaths a year in the next 25 years, the study said.

Around 80 percent of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries that also have to deal with infectious diseases, poor maternal and perinatal conditions and nutritional deficiencies, it said.

Successful workplace programmes are linked to business objectives, enjoy strong management support, involve staff from the start and are adapted to social norms, it said.