Tee, you may not have answers, but you’re asking the right questions. However you left out motorcycle riders and the other, single largest reason for lost productivity in companies that employ mostly young, healthy people. Maternity leaves. Imagine telling female employees that they will pay more unless they submit proof of having their tubes tied. Remember big companies don’t give a plump rodent’s behind about your health unless it affects their bottom line. Especially if they pay pensions.
The way this stuff happens is some ambitious management type gets a wild hair and draws up a business case that claims to save the company $$$$ and presents it hoping for a nice bonus. It’s easier to go after smokers than young women that might be planning to start a family because so many more anti-smokers are cheering them on then there are anti-family cheerleaders.
I really look for companies to go after overweight folks. Remember this isn’t about lawsuits against fast food. It’s called “conditions of employment”. If you don’t like it, quit. Has anyone looked at a BMI (body mass index) lately? Folks if you ain’t skin and bones you’re overweight. I’ll bet every player in the NFL is downright obese. Look around at your coworkers and in the mirror. See anyone with a little gut? So companies target overweight folks to pay extra on insurance and the company gets to pocket the difference. It’s established practice. They do it to smokes.
