MANY workers in Yorkshire believe their employer has a moral responsibility to help them lead a fit and healthy lifestyle, new research shows.

The study for PMI Health Group, found that 37 per cent of regional employees believe their bosses should support efforts to stay health, while 29 per cent feel they should be incentivised to join weight loss programmes.

The study followed a December ruling by the European Court of Justice that severe obesity can constitute a disability and calls from the head of the NHS to financially reward employers who introduce weight-loss schemes.

Mike Blake, PMI Health Group director, said: “Obesity is a rapidly growing problem in the UK, one estimated to cost the economy £47 billion a year. Consequently, employers are coming under pressure to share the responsibility for tackling the problem by helping staff to lead healthier lifestyles.

"But, aside from the obvious benefit to employees, a proactive approach is also good for the long-term health of the business, helping to tackle sickness absence before it becomes an issue.

"The cost of diabetes to the NHS, for example, is expected to rise from £9.8 billion to £16.9 billion over the next 25 years.

"Initiatives such as cycle-to-work schemes, fitness classes, nutritional advice and weight-loss programmes can be relatively cheap to implement but provide clear economic benefit by reducing the risk of serious conditions developing."