Keenan Develops 'Thinner Winners' Challenge to Assist Clients in Fighting Obesity and Developing Healthy Employee Lifestyles

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Keenan, the largest privately held insurance brokerage and consulting firm in California, has developed a "Thinner Winners" challenge to help its clients provide a wellness program addressing one of today's most pressing health issues.  The goal of the program is to create a fun and informative way to encourage individuals and their families to develop healthy lifestyle patterns and habits.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20 and over has increased from 19.4 percent in 1997 to 28 percent in 2009.  In addition, the excess health care cost associated with obesity is estimated at nearly $2,000 a year per person compared to those within a normal weight range.

"Healthy employees are an indispensable asset to any organization.  They are more productive and bring positive energy to the workplace," said Henry Loubet, Chief Strategy Officer for Keenan.  "However, obesity and overweight conditions have become one of the most significant and talked about health issues in the nation.  And, although many weight management programs have been developed and implemented, an increasing trend in obesity/overweight still continues."

To kick off the "Thinner Winners" program and fine tune the guidelines it now offers to its clients, Keenan conducted an internal weight loss contest, with significant success in engagement and results. Approximately 25% of Keenan employees, including senior management, participated and achieved a total weight loss of 2,263 lbs.  The program was effectively administered by a human resources professional who did not have significant training in wellness.

"I ended up losing over 40 pounds in three months," according to David Seres, Chief Financial Officer for Keenan. "At the end of the program, I decided to enter the U.S. National Track & Field Championships, competed with my mother and my sister, and had a lot of fun doing it. I've got to thank the company for supporting me." David is still maintaining his weight loss and fitness level more than 18 months later.

The San Bernardino Community College District recently conducted a "Thinner Winners" challenge and came out of the experience with a 521 pounds lighter employee base.  The competition was presented by a health benefits committee, the district human resources department and Keenan.  It consisted of 17 teams, each with four to six members, and the winning teams split their earnings with a campus cause of their choice.

Now offered as a value-added wellness program for its school, public agency and health care organization clients, the Keenan "Thinner Winners" program guide provides recommended procedures along with templates for flyers and emails to help organizations run a successful challenge.  The guide includes information on program preparation, rules and protocols, a four-week pre-launch period, and a detailed implementation process.

Further details on the Keenan "Thinner Winners" program can be obtained by contacting LaShai Payne, at 310-212-0363 ext.3206 or [email protected]

For information on Keenan insurance brokerage and consulting programs, visit www.keenan.com.  

About Keenan

Founded in 1972, Keenan is the 14th largest insurance consulting and brokerage firm in the United States and the largest independent broker in California.  Keenan is dedicated to providing superior insurance products and services to healthcare organizations, schools, community colleges, and municipalities for employee benefits, third-party claims administration, workers' compensation, integrated disability, risk management, and property and liability.  Keenan has a network of offices located throughout California and a staff of more than 650 insurance specialists.  For more information, call 800-654-8102 or 310-212-3344, email [email protected], or visit www.keenan.com.

SOURCE Keenan