Shrink in the Kitchen

According to a terrific piece in Jezebel (http://jezebel.com) yesterday, Whole Foods has a new Body Mass Index (BMI) Program for its employees:

“The program would increase employees’ discount from 20 to 30% if they did not smoke and met certain BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol targets.”

According to Jezebel, Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is concerned about the legality of the program: Does it discriminate against the sick?  Or those who smoke at home?

How about people who are simply overweight?

Still, CEO John Mackay remains convinced that by rewarding employees for meeting standards he feels are indicative of good health, he is educating them and providing support towards positive change.

The program is voluntary, but those who participate will gain more economically.

It’s a fascinating controversy.

Personally, I agree with Mackay.  Others dispute employers getting personal.

My insurance company returns $500 to me each year because I belong to a gym.

Isn’t Whole Foods doing something similar?

Why not provide incentives that promote healthier choices?

Further, Mackay is putting his money where his mouth is.  He takes a 10% hit from each healthy employee’s purchase.