Nearly 70% of South African women and a third of men are now overweight or obese, according to the Government’s 2023-2028 Obesity Strategy*. Whether you are a broker advising clients or an employer managing teams, these statistics translate into real workforce challenges. 

The real cost of poor employee health

Research from the University of the Witwatersrand confirms what is already known: obesity is big contributing factor driving South Africa’s healthcare cost. The financial impact is staggering – overweight and obesity are costing the SA health system R33 billion annually, representing 15.38% of total healthcare expenditure. Studies consistently show obesity leads to higher-than-normal absenteeism, lower productivity and rising healthcare costs. 

But here’s what most employers don’t realise: prevention costs a fraction of treatment. This World Obesity Day, there’s a solution that could transform everything… 

CGMS: Beyond healthcare to total wellness

The Consumer Goods Medical Scheme (CGMS) isn’t just another medical aid. It’s a proactive healthcare partner created to fulfil the specific needs of the consumer goods sector. By combining comprehensive dietitian and biokineticist benefits with the innovative uWellness® feature on the Universal.one App, CGMS gives employees tools to build healthier habits — one small step at a time. 

Unlike generic wellness programmes that gather dust, CGMS understands the unique challenges facing consumer goods employees. Telling a warehouse worker to “eat better” means nothing without showing them how to pack nutritious, affordable meals for a 12-hour shift. Advising a cashier to “exercise more” requires solutions that work around sore feet and limited time. 

The approach transforms simple principles into actionable, sustainable habits employees can actually maintain. When teams eat well, move more, and live better, businesses benefit from reduced costs, improved productivity, and a healthier bottom line. 

Real benefits that drive real results

CGMS provides different benefit levels tailored to various needs: 

For Level ABC members:

•  Comprehensive fitness assessments with personalised training programmes
• Access to Universal’s Network of biokineticists for annual assessments, virtual consultations and regular monitoring
• Access to Universal’s Network of dedicated dietitians to support with ongoing progress monitoring
• Extra support for pregnant members

 For UltraSave members:

• Comprehensive cover for the whole family, with dedicated benefits tailored for children and teens
• Personalised fitness assessments and customised exercise prescriptions
• Convenient home-based exercise programmes, supported by follow-up consultations
• Specialised pregnancy fitness and nutrition support
• In-depth nutritional assessments with personalised healthy eating plans
• Access to Universal’s trusted network of qualified dietitians 

For CoreSave members:

• Full family cover, including unique benefits for children and teens
• Fitness assessments and exercise prescriptions
• Exercise-from-home programmes with follow-up consultations
• Specialised pregnancy fitness and nutrition benefits
• Comprehensive nutritional assessments and healthy eating plans
• Access to Universal’s Network of dietitians 

The uWellness® advantage: Wellness at their fingertips

What sets CGMS apart is the seamless integration with uWellness®, an evidence-based wellness platform accessible through the Universal.one App. This powerful tool offers:

• Mood tracking with immediate counselling support access
• Daily wellness tips covering eight dimensions of health
• Health calculators and easy-to-read wellness guides
• Guided breathing exercises for stress management
• Full integration with Apple, Google Connect, and Garmin devices for real-time health insights
• Personalised health charts and wellness dashboards
• Automated follow-ups based on individual risk profiles 

This isn’t just an app – it’s a wellness coach that meets employees where they are, in a simple way with tools they’ll actually use.  

Making healthcare accessible 

CGMS understands that many members haven’t had access to dietitians or biokineticists before. That’s why we’ve made the process simple and straightforward: 

1. Simple app download (Universal.one App)
2. Quick initial assessments
3. Personalised plans delivered digitally
4. Ongoing support through virtual channels 

No medical jargon. No intimidating requirements. Just practical guidance that helps members make sustainable changes. 

Start small, win big 

The “Healthy March” initiative proves that small steps create lasting change. Employees start with 10-minute morning stretches, make healthy lunch choices, or join water bottle challenges. Step count competitions create friendly rivalry, while team wellness goals build camaraderie. 

The beauty lies in the professional support that ensures these small changes stick and multiply. What starts as a simple stretch routine evolves into a comprehensive wellness lifestyle, supported every step of the way. 

Your next steps 

This World Obesity Day, make a strategic decision. Whether you’re a broker positioning yourself as a transformative healthcare advisor or an employer investing in your team’s future, CGMS offers:

• Industry-specific benefits designed for consumer goods workers.
• Accessible, user-friendly technology.
• Proven wellness programmes that drive engagement.
• Comprehensive support from assessment to ongoing management. 

The “Eat well. Move more. Live better” philosophy isn’t just empty words — it’s a proven approach that transforms lives and businesses. 

Ready to build healthier, more productive teams? Contact CGMS today to discover how our wellness benefits can revolutionise your approach to employee wellness. 

Because when employees thrive, businesses prosper. 

References:

*National Department of Health (NDoH) 2023. Strategy for the Prevention and Management of Obesity in South Africa, 2023 – 2028. Pretoria, South Africa. 

**University of the Witwatersrand. “Obesity Costs South Africa Billions” (2022). The estimated annual cost to the healthcare system is R33 billion, representing 15.38% of health expenditure.

*** ***https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16549716.2022.2045092