Frustrated with work "health" program...

MsNobody1984

My work has a program where you can earn points and eventually money/rewards by continuing healthy habits. Some of these are common sense like getting enough sleep, not skipping breakfast, get exercise, etc. Great.
However...most of the nutrition advice has been very problematic for me. They advise logging what you eat-I'm in recovery from anorexia nervosa and being back on here to log my food is highly triggering to me. They also recommend logging your weight every day. I do not weigh myself every day but even stepping on the scale once or twice a week has been upsetting because I have definitely gained weight (wearing all the same clothes, etc but am keenly aware I'm above my usual).

I want to earn the money-kind of need to.

What would you do?

WeatherJane

Have you talked to someone regarding the program, and how it effects you?

emmies_123

I would speak to HR or whoever is in charge of the program. They may not realize how damaging their advice is to someone with your background. They may be able to set different healthy habits for you to reflect your different needs.

I also want to thank you for the insight your questions bring, as I am on a wellness committee for my workplace and would not have had perspective like yours to consider when forming our own program guidelines.

What are helpful habits that you have adopted that also protect your mental health?

Speakeasy76

MsNobody1984 wrote: »

My work has a program where you can earn points and eventually money/rewards by continuing healthy habits. Some of these are common sense like getting enough sleep, not skipping breakfast, get exercise, etc. Great.
However...most of the nutrition advice has been very problematic for me. They advise logging what you eat-I'm in recovery from anorexia nervosa and being back on here to log my food is highly triggering to me. They also recommend logging your weight every day. I do not weigh myself every day but even stepping on the scale once or twice a week has been upsetting because I have definitely gained weight (wearing all the same clothes, etc but am keenly aware I'm above my usual).

I want to earn the money-kind of need to.

What would you do?

I think these programs are probably pretty decent and are aimed at the general population of overweight and obese individuals who really do need some education on what it takes to achieve and (hopefully) maintain weight loss. It's also an incentive to employers to have employees who are at a healthy weight for insurance reasons as well. However, as someone who is recovering from an ED, I can absolutely see how it can be triggering to employ some of these techniques this program is recommending. I was never officially diagnosed with an ED, but probably had BED at some point and certainly had developed some disordered eating/thoughts about food. Logging food and daily weighing has been triggering for me at different points.

Perhaps this program is not the best fit for you right now. I think if you'd like to lose some weight, my best advice would be to work with an RD or psych/social worker who has experience in working with those recovering from ED's, as I think the approach would be different than the general population.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

You're pointing out an unintended consequence of a well-intended program. I think you are in a further bind, because in explaining your situation, you would be revealing a lot about your medical history.

I might consider instead sending a anonymous snail-mail letter to your HR department and/or upper management.

In general, I don't think any employer should make a financial consequence of a lifestyle decision. They can offer free voluntary and anonymous lifestyle services, if they want (like access to a gym, proactive healthcare, etc.).

MaggieGirl135

Sometimes people need to pass on opportunities because they don’t work for them. I would suggest to do what works for you and just keep going forward.

Whatsthemotive

My work has a similar program. Individual coaching and mental health therapy (employee assistance plan) are also included. Maybe use those resources. And maybe the logging program is not for you. My work program has weight loss as one of several activities. You are only encouraged to log food and weigh in (weekly, not daily) if you select that activity. On my work’s program, you’re not required to participate in any activities.

nanastaci2020

Is there a way to sort of do those things? Such as checking off that you have eaten breakfast, rather than analyzing the nutritional content. And instead of noting your weight daily, noting how you feel about the progress you're making daily? Things to discuss with HR if they are not easily doable now.