The association between changes in metabolic syndrome and changes in cost in a workplace population.
OBJECTIVE
: To determine whether changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) risks over time are associated with commensurate changes in health care costs, pharmacy costs and short-term disability costs in an employed population.


METHODS
: A total of 3270 employees of a Midwestern manufacturing corporation participated in a health risk appraisal, biometric screening and in the company's medical plan in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Changes in their MetS risks over time were compared with changes in costs.


RESULTS
: Risks for MetS in this manufacturing population are in a constant state of change. Changes in MetS status over time were associated with commensurate changes in health care, pharmacy, and short-term disability costs. Employees who reduced the greatest number of MetS risks over time had the largest cost decrease (-$437), whereas those who increased the greatest number of risks experienced the largest cost increase (+$1348).


CONCLUSIONS
: If organizations are successful in encouraging the high-risk individuals to reduce their risks while also helping the low-risk employees remain low risk, they will improve the health and vitality of employees while also improving cost and productivity outcomes.
Schultz
Alyssa B
AB
From the School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan Health Management Research Center, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Edington
Dee W
DW
D000328:Adult; D001699:Biometry; D005260:Female; D005102:Health Expenditures / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015146:Midwestern United States; D016272:Occupational Health; D011306:Prescription Fees / Q000639:trends; D018570:Risk Assessment; D018582:Sick Leave / Q000639:trends