January 12, 2012- [Providence] 230 employers since 2006 have enrolled their employees in Shape Up RI’s team-based competitions.
Shape Up RI announced the schedule for its 12-week Spring competition, which begins on February 6 and runs through April 30. Shape Up RI, primarily an employer-based program, fosters a vibrant company culture and builds morale among employees. Participants form teams of 5-11 individuals and engage in friendly competition towards meeting health goals.
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“Shape Up RI has become an annual tradition for thousands of Rhode Islanders,” stated Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Chairman and Founder of Shape Up RI. “It’s important that we all continually recommit ourselves to leading healthy lifestyles, given how easy it is for us to get off track. Once again, we are urging all Rhode Islanders to join and take action to exercise more, eat better, and work together to build a healthier community.”
Results from a study co-authored by Dr. Kumar and Dr. Rena Wing of Brown University’s Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center underscore the cost-effectiveness of the award-winning program that has engaged 70,000 Rhode Islanders. The 2009 study, published in the peer-review journal Obesity, shows Shape Up RI’s efficacy in producing weight loss in large numbers of people at minimal costs.
Furthermore, studies have shown that employee wellness programs like Shape Up RI are essential to the long-term viability of all businesses because they reduce health care costs and employee absenteeism.
Employers can take full advantage of Shape Up RI’s benefits at a low per participant cost of $20, thanks to support from major sponsor Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI).
“Being obese or overweight comprises 61.7 percent of the Rhode Island population according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future 2011, and employer-sponsored wellness programs can show impressive results in reducing health-related costs,” said Peter Andruszkiewicz, president and chief executive officer. “BCBSRI is honored to continue its support of Shape Up RI and all individuals in our state who set goals to improve their health.”
Shape Up RI has received generous support from BCBSRI for the past six years.
This year’s program features a number of enhancements, including a newly redesigned social networking website, easier activity tracking via text messaging, a mobile-web application, team photo sharing, bonus weekly challenges, and over 100 special deals and discounts on healthy Rhode Island products and services.
Each participant receives a digital pedometer, a tracking logbook shipped to their home or office, a Shape Up RI reminder wristband, access to the online Team Tracker system, weekly motivational emails with important health tips, eligibility to win prizes, and access to hundreds of free health and educational events.
Employers can find more information about joining the Shape Up RI 2012 Challenge by visiting www.shapeupri.org or call (401) 421-0608.
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