Obesity is more than a personal health issue: it’s a complex, chronic condition that carries significant implications for workplace productivity and employee well-being. In this Q&A, Dr. Maykong Leepalao, a bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist with Ascension Wisconsin, explains how excess weight can directly and indirectly hinder job performance, and the implications for business owners and HR departments. Dr. Leepalao offers insights into the common comorbidities tied to obesity, the transformative effects of bariatric surgery and the critical role employers can play in supporting employees who may need to take weight-loss measures.
How does obesity directly and indirectly impact a person’s ability to be productive at work?
Dr. Leepalao: Obesity is one of the biggest epidemics of our time, and it absolutely affects both personal and professional life. Directly, it causes fatigue and joint pain, limiting how long someone can work without needing extra breaks. Indirectly, it leads to more time off work due to health issues. People with obesity often require more doctor visits and treatments for conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea or heart disease – all of which reduce overall workplace productivity.
Can you describe some common obesity-related comorbidities and how they affect job performance?
Dr. Leepalao: The most common condition we see is metabolic syndrome, which includes Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. These conditions often lead to reduced energy levels, poor sleep, and increased risk for serious events like cardiac complications. On top of that, we see skin issues like lymphedema and venous insufficiency, as well as joint problems like arthritis. All of these impact mobility and stamina, making it hard to perform physically demanding tasks or even maintain a consistent work schedule.
Have you observed changes in workplace productivity after patients undergo bariatric surgery?
Dr. Leepalao: Absolutely. I’d say 70-80% of my patients had joint pain or mobility issues before surgery. Within 6-12 months post-op, once they experience significant weight loss, their energy improves, joint pain decreases and their ability to work often improves dramatically. Many return to work sooner than expected, and some even reduce or eliminate disability claims. It’s a life-changing improvement for many.
How do stigma and mental health concerns associated with obesity affect workplace performance?
Dr. Leepalao: Mental health is closely tied to obesity. Many of my patients are on antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. There’s often a sense of low self-worth or fear of how others perceive them. Even after surgery, physical health improves faster than mental health, so we integrate behavioral health into our follow-up care. If someone feels depressed or lacks confidence, they may be less likely to engage at work, may need shorter hours or might miss work entirely.
What can employers do to better support employees dealing with obesity?
Dr. Leepalao: First and foremost, recognize obesity as a real, chronic disease. Too many employers still don’t cover bariatric surgery or weight management services, even though they’ll cover other surgeries like hernia repair. We have to stop treating obesity like it’s just about overeating or inactivity. It’s a complex, multifactorial disease. Supporting employees with comprehensive health benefits, including weight loss programs and surgery, can lead to better health outcomes and improved productivity.
Some patients might fear taking time off for surgery could harm their careers. How do you address those concerns?
Dr. Leepalao: That’s a common fear. We work closely with patients to create a recovery plan that fits their job type and financial needs. Most return to work within two weeks, but it depends. For example, someone who works a desk job might return sooner than a nurse who lifts patients. We write letters and communicate directly with employers when needed to ensure patients are protected. Most workplaces are very understanding when it’s framed as a medical necessity.
From a public health perspective, what changes would help reduce obesity’s hidden cost in the workplace?
Dr. Leepalao: Stigma is a huge barrier. I still see patients who delay treatment because they fear judgment. We have to change the narrative. Bariatric surgery is not “the easy way out.” It’s a tool for better health. Employers, policymakers and the public must stop viewing obesity as a character flaw and start treating it as the chronic disease it is. That’s how we’ll make real progress.
What are some common misconceptions employers or HR departments have about obesity?
Dr. Leepalao: Unfortunately, some employers equate obesity with laziness or poor productivity. That bias can prevent people from getting help. The reality is that obesity isn’t just about willpower. It’s hormonal, genetic and deeply complex. Employers need to understand that treating obesity leads to healthier employees, better morale and higher productivity. It’s a win-win for everyone.
How can my company get proactive about weight loss and wellness for our employees?
Ascension Wisconsin Employer Solution’s comprehensive wellness program provides a holistic approach to well-being, recognizing that weight management is influenced by multiple factors including physical activity, nutrition, emotional well-being and more. The program includes resources and activities related to stress management and other dimensions of wellness.
Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive wellness solution that includes weight management programming. Click here to learn more.. To learn more about bariatric surgery and weight-loss medicine with Ascension Wisconsin in the Fox Valley, click here.