Bob Barker Trims Fat With Weight-Loss Challenge

FUQUAY VARINA, N.C. — Correctional manufacturer Bob Barker held a weight-loss challenge for employees in an effort to improve the overall health of the company’s workforce.

Participants in the health program were challenged to reduce their weight, total cholesterol and blood pressure or stop smoking. A cash incentive of $50 per 1 percent of body weight lost was offered to contest participants.

“My original motivation in creating this challenge was not for the potential financial savings of health insurance down the line, I think it has the potential to pay for itself through productivity of the employees,” says Robert Barker, company president.

Nearly 40 percent of the company’s 300 employees participated in the program. A handful of participants shed as much as 20 percent of their overall body weight, reduced cholesterol by 100 points and lowered blood pressure by 30 percent to 40 percent.

At the close of the contest, 83 percent of participants had lost weight, 75 percent had decreased total cholesterol, 61 percent had lowered blood pressure and 14 people had successfully quit smoking. A total of 1,191 pounds were lost during the challenge.

Due to the success of the program, the company plans to repeat the health challenge during the latter half of 2008.

Bob Barker, a manufacturer of detention furnishings and inmate transportation products, matched employee prizes with almost $160,000 in charitable donations.