Weight Loss and Body Image

A corporate wellness program should include even your fittest employees. But for most people, the focus is on weight loss--and while we're delighted when our clients show an interest in nutrition and fitness, it's important to avoid singling out overweight employees. After all, popular culture does enough of that already.

For an interesting perspective on body image, check out this Washington Post article. It tells the story of a "recovering" attorney who teaches the art of belly dancing to women (and at least one man!) in the Washington, D.C. area. Helping women feel more comfortable about their bodies is part of her mission. Belly dancing also empowers her students to express themselves artistically; most are high-level professionals, and dancing provides an escape from their stressful, straight-laced professional lives.

Wellness takes many forms, and it's important to keep an open mind. One of our clients recently offered a Zumba dance class for employees (it's a mixture of Latin dance and hip-hop), and it was a huge hit. So maybe there's belly dancing in our future!