Background: Obesity rates have increased precipitously with a significant economic impact. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of obesity on the work health-related behaviors and quality of life (QoL) of employees of mining companies in South Africa.Methods: Forty (40) subjects from three mining companies were assigned to three BMI categories: normal weight Results: There were significant differences in calorie expenditure (p = 0.033), activity patterns (p = 0.017), and number of steps walked daily (p = 0.018) between the overweight and obese groups. Those of normal weight reported being significantly (p = 0.041) more satisfied with their QoL and their leisure time activities and income (p = 0.017) than the obese. Almost all the significant differences with regard to work health-related behaviors were between the overweight and obese groups. Conclusion:Results provide preliminary support for targeting weight loss as obesity may adversely influence employees' work health-related behaviors and QoL.