Many employees, around 1 in 4, feel unsupported in their weight loss goals at work, but fewer than 1 in 10 would actually use exisiting employer provided wellbeing support, according to research commissioned by Phlo Clinic.
According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, 26.6 per cent do not feel they receive enough support from their employer to pursue weight loss goals, while just 6.5 per cent said they would use workplace wellbeing support for weight management.
The findings also show that 36 per cent struggle to avoid alcohol when socialising with colleagues, while 43 per cent feel pressure to behave “normally” around food and drink at workplace social events. It found that 57 per cent cited easy access to unhealthy food at work as a barrier to weight loss. Meanwhile, 37 per cent say they frequently feel judged for their weight-loss efforts, and 31 per cent report receiving unsolicited advice from others.
The research comes as employers continue to invest in employee wellbeing support, with the Keep Britain Working Independent Review estimating businesses spend between £60 and £180 per employee yearly on fitness programmes, counselling and health platforms.
Phlo Clinic superintendent pharmacist Dennis Ouko says: “While it’s encouraging that many workplaces offer wellbeing initiatives, our findings suggest there’s an opportunity to ensure these feel accessible and relevant to employees’ everyday experiences. From a healthcare perspective, sustainable weight loss is influenced not just by individual choices, but by environment, routine and social dynamics.
Workplaces can play a positive role by creating environments that support healthier choices, whether through balanced food options or a culture where employees feel comfortable prioritising their health. Taking a more practical, everyday approach to support can make it easier for people to stay on track with their goals over time.”