title: The relationship between 11 health risks and medical and productivity costs for a large employer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the relationship between modifiable health risks, and health and productivity related expenditures and predict cost savings from improvements in the health risk profile of a large US employer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information was collected on 11 modifiable health risks for active employees who completed a health assessment and enrolled in a noncapitated health plan. These risks were related to employer medical care costs and employee productivity. Multivariate analyses were performed to estimate costs associated with high risk, as well as potential savings from reducing risk prevalence among employees.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Health risks with the greatest impact on total medical care costs included obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high triglycerides, and inadequate exercise.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Modifiable health risks are associated with higher employer costs. Targeted programs that address these risks are expected to yield substantial savings.
authors.affiliation: Thomson Reuters (Health care and Science), Health and Productivity Research, Washington, DC 20008, USA.
authors.forename: Niranjana M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Kowlessar
authors.forename: Ron Z
authors.initials: RZ
authors.lastname: Goetzel
authors.forename: Ginger Smith
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Carls
authors.forename: Maryam J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Tabrizi
authors.forename: Arlene
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guindon
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004526:Efficiency; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016272:Occupational Health; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors