Pioneer press ran an interesting story recently on the effect your weight can have on your job.  If you think your weight isn’t anybody’s business, you’d better think again.  With health insurance costs sky rocketing, many employers are paying attention to your figure whether or not you are.  Companies like General Mills have made “healthy weight” part of their mission statement.  A Minneapolis marketing firm launched a “Biggest Loser”-style weight-loss contest. An Indianapolis employer even proposed $30 fines for overweight workers!  Treasure Island Resort & Casino now requires employees and their spouses to take a medical exam which includes a body mass index reading in order to qualify for employer-sponsored insurance.

With two-thirds of Americans overweight or obese health care costs are being driven up. It is estimated that obesity costs corporate America $13 billion a year in additional health insurance expenses, sick leave, life insurance and disability insurance.  In response, employers preaching the benefits of eating better, eating less and exercising more.

Of course, this doesn’t come without some backlash.  A recent national survey of 30,000 employees shows that 88% don’t think their health should be dictated by their employer.  The same survey found that 88% of employers plan to invest in wellness programs within the next 5 years.

Consider General Mills. The food giant, a regular on lists of best places to work, has long offered fitness programs to its corporate employees in Golden Valley. Now, manufacturing plant managers across the country are using the corporate wellness programs as models for their own customized programs.

Clarian Health Partners, the Indianapolis company that tried to fine people for being overweight, had to change their program to an incentive program instead that rewarded people for meeting the standard for body mass index.

So, what are the legal limits?  The jury is still out on that. There are restrictions in how big a financial incentive can be, for instance.

Let’s face it; health and fitness are part of the new culture. Employers may not be forcing workers to run around the block or forgo the doughnuts and half-and-half with their morning coffee, but there is no doubt there is a good deal of peer pressure to shape up, or face the consequences in lost benefits — and very probably being passed over for a promotion or even a job — although you won’t find that the official reason on the paperwork.

Want to watch your figure so that your boss doesn’t see you in a negative light?  Be sure to include some exercise in your weekly routine.  Some type of aerobic exercise that gets your heart pumping and makes you use oxygen is your best bet.  Brisk walking for 20 to 30 minutes 3 days a week will increase your calorie consumption and aid you in releasing unwanted pounds.  In addition to eating healthy foods, try calorie cycling to really speed up your weight release by shifting your metabolism into overdrive and giving you an extra energy boost.

There is a new form of substance abuse spreading like wildfire. It’s one that usually goes unrecognized because it seems so innocent and benign. It’s also perfectly legal, because you can buy these substances over the counter. They are legally sold dietary supplements — vitamins, minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies.

The hazards of ephedra garnered a lot of publicity when this one-time weight-loss aid was found to be deadly. Shortly after the ephedra fall out, cold and sinus medications containing pseudo ephedrine were moved from the generally accessible store aisles to the pharmacy and now require a signature for purchase. But, there are many other popular supplements which can be harmful — especially when taken in large doses or in combination with another substance or prescription drug.

Other issues can arise if you have hidden health problems, or if you fail to report the substances you are taking to your doctor. For example, green tea, grapeseed, ginkgo biloba turmeric, salmon oil and vitamin E, all have properties which prevent or inhibit blood clotting, which can lead to excessive bleeding.

In an article earlier today, the New York Times described a new federal law that requires supplement manufacturers to report serious adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration, but it depends on consumers to call in reactions. The article goes on to say that most consumers are unlikely to relate health problems to a supplement they assume to be safe. Even if they do, they may be reluctant to report an adverse effect from a self-medicated substance.

A 2002 Harris poll found that 70 percent of adults in the United States take vitamins, minerals, herbs or other supplements. And the use of supplements is on the rise. Most people believe that they can make you feel better, give you energy, improve health and prevent and treat disease.

It’s important to remember that while some supplements are beneficial, they are not risk free and can be dangerous when taken in large amounts or the wrong combinations. Just because a small amount is good, doesn’t mean that more is better. In fact, some studies have shown the opposite to be true.

The bottom line: Exercise, eating healthy foods, watching your caloric intake and shifting calories is still the best way to release excess weight and keep it off. Be sure to check with your doctor before adding over the counter diet supplements to your regimen, and remember, more is not necessarily better.

Last week, the Associated Press ran a story on a disturbing and growing trend—“all you can eat” seating at sports events. For 50 percent more, your ticket purchase can include limitless peanuts and Cracker Jacks and whatever else your stomach may desire (alcohol and deserts sold separately). When I say “growing” trend, trust me, the pun is intended! This is being sold as a convenience for the customer who no longer has to wait in line for 20 minutes or more to purchase one of the many nutritious items on the stadium menu. Instead, you can belly on up to a cash-free concession stand sporting your special wristband and avoid waiting in a long line.

AP states that nearly half of the 30 major league baseball teams now offer this convenience to their fans. Now, in their defense, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Oakland Athletics have offered some healthier choices (salad bars and fruit cups/garden burgers respectively).

The CDC reports a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States over the past 20 years. In 2006, 22 states achieved an astounding 25% prevalence or higher of obesity. This is more than double what the obesity rates were a generation ago.

A key issue highlighted by the “all you can eat” phenomena is confusion about recommended portion sizes. In a survey conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research last year, only 1% of the participants could correctly determine proper portions for a variety of foods. Serving sizes are generally far smaller than we think. At the same time, prepackaged food and restaurant meals have grown; the result being that if you eat just one, you will in all likelihood be eating more than one serving. Read the label on that bag of chips the next time you get the munchies, and you’ll discover that a “serving” is usually 12 chips or less. A small bag of potato chips is actually 2 or more servings, not a single serving.

In our “super-sized” society, there are some highlights, however. Whether it was truly due to “menu simplification” as McDonald’s claimed, or whether it was due in part to Morgan Spurlock’s documentary “Super Size Me”, McDonald’s did phase out their Supersize fries and drinks in 2004 and added some healthier choices with salads and fruit.

In this climate of over-consumption, it is extremely important to keep track of the calories you are taking in. If you are going to indulge, make sure you balance it out by reducing your calories another day. That’s what calorie cycling is all about. The bottom line: The best plan for healthy and sustained weight loss remains a balanced diet combined with regular exercise. Passing on the “all you can eat” seats may be best bet at hitting a home run.