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UAE: How workplace support for obesity can help employers save money, build stronger companies
'Obesity-related complications cost US employers billions annually — and the pattern is similar in the Gulf,' said a healthcare expert
- PUBLISHED: Wed 30 Apr 2025, 12:39 PM
Obesity is not just a personal health issue — it’s a workplace issue, and one that employers can no longer afford to ignore.
“Employee health is now not only a necessity but also an investment,” said Dr Yanal Salam, consultant in Internal Medicine and head of the Medical Department at Emirates Hospital, during his keynote address at the Future Workforce Summit 2025, held on April 30 in Dubai.
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Speaking to a room full of business leaders, HR professionals, and experts, Dr Salam underscored the urgent need for companies to rethink corporate wellness from both a medical and economic perspective. “Obesity is a chronic disease — not a lifestyle choice,” he emphasised. “We need to stop blaming individuals and start looking at the biological, psychological, and environmental factors that drive it.”
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He argued that workplace wellness programmes should not be treated as fringe benefits, but as strategic investments in employee retention, productivity, and long-term cost savings.
Dr Salam presented the story of a fictional employee named Hasan — a man with class three obesity whose health, job performance, and mental well-being were all deteriorating until his employer offered tangible wellness support.
“With the right mix of behavioural therapy, nutrition, and medical treatment — including medication where appropriate — Hasan not only lost weight but regained control over his life and career,” Dr Salam said.
The Future Workforce Summit 2025, organised by KT Events and held at the Address Sky View Hotel in Dubai, is designed to spark vital conversations, challenge traditional norms, and redefine the future of work in the UAE and beyond.
The summit brought together the UAE’s most influential minds in HR, talent development, and workforce innovation, providing the perfect backdrop for this important dialogue.
Dr Salam also highlighted key data that strengthens the business case for enhanced health support. Employees with severe obesity are significantly more likely to take extended sick leave, and those with related conditions such as diabetes and heart disease drive up both direct and indirect healthcare costs for employers. “Obesity-related complications cost US employers billions annually — and the pattern is similar in the Gulf,” he noted.
Despite the growing prevalence of obesity, many companies still limit their wellness efforts to one-off awareness days or occasional lectures. Dr Salam warned that such approaches fall short. “A real corporate wellness strategy should be holistic, year-round, and personalised,” he said. “Think gym memberships, access to nutritionists and therapists, and — in some cases — financial coverage for medications that treat obesity medically.”
His presentation concluded with a clear takeaway — investing in employee wellness is not just a gesture of goodwill — it's a strategic imperative. “When we support our employees’ health, we’re not just changing their lives,” Dr Salam said. “We’re building stronger, more resilient organisations.”
Novo Nordisk joined the Future Workforce Summit as the exclusive Healthcare Partner, reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being.
Novo Nordisk sponsored the impactful session by Dr Yalan Salam, which explored the vital link between corporate wellness, employee retention, and productivity. This partnership reflects Novo Nordisk’s commitment on fostering healthier, more resilient workplaces.
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.
