City paying $6.6M for staffers to join Weight Watchers
They’re finally trimming the fat from city government.
The city will shell out $6.6 million over the next three years so its employees can burn calories with Weight Watchers.
Starting next month, about 300,000 city workers will be allowed to sign up on a first-come, first- served basis. From then on, it will be up to them to actually use the program and lay off the fries and milkshakes.
“We are working to fundamentally bend the health-care cost curve through initiatives that improve employees’ health and save taxpayers money,” said mayoral spokesman Austin Finan.
Weight Watchers is just one of several programs the city is providing to promote healthier habits and reduce medical costs.
It also plans to offer programs to quit smoking and manage diabetes. City officials estimate that these programs will save $3.4 billion in health costs over three years.
“The city has built a comprehensive suite of wellness programs as part of WorkWell NYC, our joint effort with municipal unions to promote healthier employees and better utilization of health-care resources,” Finan said.
Weight Watchers users follow a point-based meal plan and are encouraged to exercise. Regular support meetings are offered.
Participating workers must go to Weight Watchers events on their own time, Finan said.
The city joins many municipalities, including Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Olympia, Wash., that pay for employees to attend weight-loss programs.
Some residents argued that the money could be put to better use.
“Give the money to low-income people or people who are medically overweight and need to see a doctor,” said Louis Rivera, 43, of Queens. “People who can afford the program don’t need Weight Watchers for free.”
Additional reporting by Elizabeth Rosner
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