In the ever-evolving world of weight loss solutions, GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, are all the rage. Promoted for their ability to suppress appetite and aid in weight loss, these FDA-approved injectables have become a go-to for people seeking a quick fix. But, once someone stops taking these pricey drugs, the magic ends.

Employers are looking for a more affordable means of helping their employees feel better and adopt a healthy lifestyle. They know – and as a registered dietitian, I know – that when employees stop taking these medications for weight loss, the weight will return if they are not making any adjacent, positive lifestyle changes or habits to improve their health.

It’s never too early to start thinking ahead to the new year. The time is now – to decide to offer your employees an engaging and camaraderie-building group health and wellness challenge that focuses on improving their nutrition, health and wellness. Prepare for the new year by treating them right!

Are all potatoes created equal? As a seasoned dietitian, I'm here to shed light on the nutritional benefits of white potatoes, purple potatoes, and sweet potatoes, helping you make an informed choice at your next grocery run. All three potatoes offer their own set of nutritional advantages, making them valuable additions to your diet. So, which one should you pick?

With the arrival of changing temps and leaves crunching under our feet comes the opportunity to freshen up your health and wellness programming for your employees, members or groups.

If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that we all have to be flexible—in all areas of our life. This is true of health and wellness programs, too. Effective programs are fashioned to work for a wide variety of people with different life situations, experiences and motivators.

How is your current health and wellness program being received by your employees? Are they actively involved? Are you receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback?

Searching for a solid health and fitness program for your employees? There are hundreds of options out there to consider. But which one will fit your employees’ needs best? Which one satisfies your list of must-haves? And which one of those is actually within your budget?

It may not be a surprise that most wellness programs tend to focus on exercise and fitness rather than diet quality. But it may surprise you to learn that the research clearly indicates that diet quality needs to be the focus of an effective wellness program.

No surprise here, but research shows that one of the top things that your employees want from their benefits plan is comprehensive healthcare. They want one that will support them – and their families.

Eating ergonomics is about shifting one's surroundings so that healthy choices are easier to make - everything from what foods are visible in your kitchen to having workout clothes laid on the bed in the morning to taking a different route home from work to avoiding a favorite tempting fast-food restaurant. There are very simple and practical shifts that you can make to your home and work spaces that will set you up for eating ergonomics success!

It’s time to ditch the “diet” mentality. This includes fad diets that promise someone can “lose weight fast.” Weight may come off quickly during a fad diet - but instead of losing body fat, valuable muscle is lost and body fat percentage even increases as the pounds return at the conclusion of the “diet.” In addition, many of my current clients who previously tried a fad diet expressed that their hair thinned during the process.

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 46% of people who made New Year’s resolutions were successful in keeping those resolutions. This means that more than half of those in the study who set a goal for the new year did not meet nor keep their goal!

If your employees and clients are aiming to make 2023 a healthier year than 2022 – whether by supporting their immune system, eating more nutritious foods, sleeping more soundly – then now is the time to put this plan into place. Don’t let them wait until December 31st to make a list of the things they want to do to make next year one that they live with energy, with more lean muscle and in general, feel better overall.

One element of a standout benefits package is a health and wellness program. One that helps motivate and encourage employees to modify behaviors and lifestyle choices for the better – to help them prevent chronic disease and to feel better overall.

If you hear that your employees are practicing ‘quiet quitting,’ it’s not too late to help them set boundaries so that they can establish a better work life balance.

Is your organization prioritizing mental health? If not, you risk losing top performers to companies that do. You risk alienating your workforce and downgrading your company reputation.

Are you looking to hire? Are you struggling to find qualified candidates?

If the answer to both questions is “yes,” take a step back and think about your initial phone screens. Candidates are likely sharing that they’re looking for employers that value flexibility, physical and mental health benefits, and demonstrate that employees are valued for their contributions.

If you’re not currently offering group wellness programming in your company or among your clientele, you will want to after reading this! 

Successful programs take a "we're all in this together" approach. Offering health-forward activities within a network can lead to higher engagement and improved health results. 

As employees consider jobs with other companies that offer flexibility and benefits, it is more important than ever to make sure that your employees feel valued. 

Offering interactive wellness programming is an important way to help employees feel valued!