The recent decision by pharmacy giant CVS Caremark to require employees who receive health insurance through the company to disclose their weight is raising red flags among patient privacy advocates, but it does reflect the need for companies to hold down health care costs.
With obesity contributing to conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, weight management is a key issue being addressed in wellness programs. (CVS is also requiring employees to quit smoking by May 1 or participate in a smoking cessation program.)