Tip of the Day: Get up to speed on the costs and consequences of binge eating

You may not know it -- I didn't, until I did some digging -- but binge eating disorder is a huge (no pun intended) health issue in the United States. Research shows it's the most common eating problem - affecting 6 million people in the U.S. each year and costs $33 million a year in lost productivity, health care, and medical expenses.

To help educate employers and other health care stakeholders, and mark National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (Feb. 22-28), Health Media invites you to participate in a free web seminar on binge eating disorder, Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. EST.

This one-hour presentation will be hosted by Dr. Richard Bedrosian, Ph.D., director of Behavioral Health for HealthMedia, Inc. and Chevese Turner, CEO and founder of the Binge Eating Disorder Association.

Read more from EBN on binge eating and other costs and consequences of obesity in our February issue.

Tip of the Day: Remember dependents may need DM, too

As childhood obesity threatens the nation as significantly as adult obesity, two Blues plans have launched obesity disease management programs to help their youngest members get back on a healthy track.

Although most employers' wellness and DM efforts may be targeting their parents, a recent report from EBN reminds that you're paying for the health risks and illnesses of obese kids as well, and a DM revamp may be just what the doctor (pediatrician?) ordered.

Are dependents covered under your company's DM or wellness program? What specific interventions do you conduct for children? Comment and let us know.