The increasing death rates related to comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders among young, working-aged people raise the need for a coordinated public health response. The non-profit global initiative, Insurance Collaboration to Save Lives, aims to address these issues through health screenings, including blood tests and triage, to identify individuals most at risk for sudden death or critical health incidents. By empowering individuals with knowledge about their biomarkers, the initiative promotes preventive and proactive healthcare, encouraging healthier lifestyles that can save lives and reduce disability.
With a focus on early detection, education, and health and wellness programs, we can seek to help reverse troubling healthcare trends and reduce the burden of chronic diseases in younger populations. Additionally, a healthier population means better workplace injury outcomes, as comorbidities can complicate injuries and increase the time it takes to return to work.
Obesity, Diabetes Increasingly the Underlying Causes of Death
According to the Insurance Collaboration to Save Lives, which analyzed CDC data tracking underlying causes of death, obesity was a significant driver for mortality, specifically among the young. The analysis indicates that the rate of obesity as an underlying cause of death for all ages surged by 15% from 2018 to 2023. For those aged 25 to 34, the rate jumped 29% during those five years. While deaths with diabetes as the underlying cause increased by 10% during the same period for all age groups, the rate jumped 38% for those aged 25 to 34.
A Rise in Cancer Rates Among the Young
Another alarming trend is the increasing incidence of cancer among young adults. While cancer is more common in older adults, recent research has shown a rise in certain cancers among people under the age of 50. Cancers such as colorectal, thyroid, pancreas, and certain types of breast cancer are being diagnosed more frequently in younger populations.
According to a study published in The Lancet, colorectal cancer rates among people under 50 have increased significantly in recent decades. The American Cancer Society reports that people born around 1990 have twice the risk of developing colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950. Factors such as poor diet (highly processed foods), obesity, and lifestyle choices are believed to contribute to this rise.
How Comorbidities Impact Workplace Injuries
Comorbidities—the presence of one or more additional health issues alongside a primary condition—can significantly contribute to workplace injuries by impairing workers’ physical and cognitive abilities. These disorders frequently exacerbate workplace task risks, resulting in increased injury rates and more serious consequences.
Obesity, for example, can reduce mobility and raise the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Workers may also struggle to react quickly to unexpected events, such as balancing large loads or avoiding risks. Diabetes can produce problems such as nerve damage (neuropathy), which causes a loss of sensation, particularly in the feet and hands, increasing the risk of burns, wounds, and falls.
Employees with comorbidities tend to heal more slowly after occupational injuries. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues can slow wound healing and rehabilitation, increasing the risk of injury consequences. This can also lead to extended absences and increased costs for employees and businesses.
Prioritize Health and Wellness Programs
As America’s youth face an alarming rise in health issues like obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers, employees and employers must prioritize health screenings and health and wellness programs and make healthy living part of their culture. These programs can improve employee health, address preventable health conditions, increase morale, and reduce the burden on healthcare and Workers’ Compensation systems.
Health screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of diseases. They allow healthcare providers and individuals to identify potential health issues before symptoms arise, increasing the chances of effective treatment and lifestyle changes. Insurance Collaboration to Save Lives is an excellent resource for health screenings and we encourage Workers’ Compensation policyholders and employers to contact Mitch Bagley at mitch@insurancecollaboration.org to learn more about incorporating proactive health initiatives in their organization.
In addition, workplace programs that promote physical activity, healthy eating, and mental health support can help mitigate these risks. These include on-site fitness programs, healthy food options in cafeterias and vending machines, and weight management and counseling services.
In an upcoming article, we will explore the benefits of various workplace health and wellness programs and also share how Prescient National is prioritizing a healthy culture within its own company.
