Is obesity a disability and why?
402024
It can be. Morbid obesity can leave a person unable to walk or move without assistance. Now, I'm not talking about being a little chubby, I'm talking about cases where a person grew so fat that their muscles can't support their weight. In those cases, it's a disability.
1183864
It could potentially create a negative image, as people who are overweight are not always thought of in a positive light, no matter how unfair.\n\nObesity is a health risk. It can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. Health problems resulting from lifestyle put unnecessary strain on the health care system. When insurance is required to pay out more, premiums inevitably increase to support this.\n\nObesity is said to be a growing epidemic in America. That doesn't mean there aren't other lifestyles that contribute to higher premiums, such as reckless driving, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or poor diet no matter how heavy or thin a person is.
723386
There is a connection between alcoholism and obesity and a connection between obesity and Type II diabetes.
860050
Yes.  Anorexia is a mental illness, not a physical one.  However the symptoms show itself physically in the weight loss of the patient.  The true horror lies in the hell the patients put themselves through.  You never lose the fat cells except through liposuction, so at anytime someone starts eating, the fat cells are free to expand and multiply again.
72
I think that the main reason is that obese people should be treated as drug addict. The main problem is that both obese and drug addicts have habits that causing them to either eat or do drug. Both of them also have physical addiction that needed to be treated accordingly. Only after facing those two major factors it will be the time for diets. <br />\nAnother major issue is that the society actually unknowingly supports obesity; let me give you an example- today in the US, an obese person can claim disability and get welfare. By that, the government actually encourages obesity. Why would someone even try to get better? <br />\nAuthorities should condition those allowances: if you lose weight over a specified period you will continue getting it. If you did not lose weight you lose the allowance.<br />\nWe should always keep in mind that obesity costs a lot more then just the allowance that the obese person gets. There is the health costs, taxes lost and so on.<br />\nI say- do what you can to leave healthy life, and don’t give up
184302
there is an argument that can be made about paying for weight loss/control because the ramifications of obesity are so costly.  however, there are very few proven methods of weight loss aside from eating less and exercising.  people who are incapable of exercising are already at a point where their health is impacted.\n\nyour point about junk food being less expensive than good food is very valid but unfortunately, the government is filled with lobbyists from the snack food and fast food industries who encourage legislation to promote their products (who would actually believe that ketchup is a vegetable?  your government does).  it's interesting that in every country that adopts western culture to any extent, obesity almost invariably follows.  america's number one export is fat.
223485
I would be unrealistic to say that it does not affect my professional life. To my knowledge it does not, but I am sure that I have been passed over for a promotion because of my weight. Socially it does not. I am actually working on a book about fat-friendly places in my city. I had a roomate in college who was heavier than me and she would always just stay home. I am different. I like to go out and have a good time with friends, of which I have PLENTY! I like to enjoy life! I enjoy dressing up and going to plays, the opera, etc. I even do full-figured modeling on the side. I've never had problems dating. I have a tremendous love for God, and He sees me through. I stay active. I walk, I swim, I dance. Being obese does not always mean being unhealthy. People who are obese have to have confidence in themselves. Ask questions. If you are afraid to go somewhere because you don't think you will fit in a chair, CALL AHEAD! Ask if there are chairs without arms! Do not let life pass you by from fear. Do not stop your life while you are dieting "until you reach your goal"! Live now!
77259
Legally it is NOT considered a disability. But once you begin to suffer many of the effects (neuropathy, amputations, blindness, etc.) then those are considered disabilities.
31514
Yes it is. I'm currently writing a thesis on Adult Obesity myself. Obesity is a medical condition that affects not only the US but also a large percentage of the world. Furthermore it is an American epidemic. The percentage of childhood obesity increases annually. Its also a major public health problem because obesity is a well-known and proven risk factor to other diseases - such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, gallbladder disease, gout, stroke, sleep apnoea, depression and osteoarthritis of the weight-bearing joints. \n\nFor general facts on obesity, I would advise you to consult a nutrionist, a professional or a medical encyclopedia. Cheers!
603190
Diabetes is not a disability. It is a medical condition.\nEasily controlled for most with the proper diet, exercise and the use of oral or injectible medications.\nA diabietic disability would be for the type of diabetic that doesn't control your blood sugar levels, and say goes into kidney failure and needs diaylisis, or goes blind, or has some body part amputated THEN they would qualify for disability.
581972
Well, I think the most obvious answer is to decrease your caloric intake.  Most of all, make the most of the calories you do take in.  Do your best to include lots of fruits and veggies.  Soups are an excellent way to do this.  Also, try to include bitter melon.  You can stir fry it or take a supplement.  Studies have shown it regulates blood sugar which can lead to significant weight loss. And try to talk to a physical therapist.  There may be some exercise you can do at whatever level of disability you're at.
712305
No.  Other than a small percentage of people with actual medical or metabolic conditions obese people can reduce their weight.  My dad had a metabolic problem and lose his weight through the only 2 methods proven to work...reduction in caloric intake and an increase in caloric release (eat less and exercise more).\n\nAbout 15 months ago I went from 175lbs to 225lbs (I am 6 feet tall).  Fourteen months ago\nI started 2 exercise 6 days a week and ate 1 solid meal per day. I took a single multi vitamin and drank at least 8 glasses of water every day (I was working in Iraq at the time and needed the water anyway).  In 7 weeks I lost 50 lbs and got in excellent physical shape.  It has been 1 year and I weigh 178lbs.  It can be done.\n\nI recently read where about 68% of men and 49% of women in the US are over weight or obese.  As a country...we eat too much and are just plain lazy.
134035
I'm not a doctor, but I'd say your level of obesity may not qualify you for the more extreme bariatric procedures.  Doctors tend to shy away from anything under morbidly obese, which is at least 100 pounds over the high end of your ideal weight.  They can still perform the procedure as an elective surgery, but you may be putting yourself through a difficult process for little long-term benefit.\n\nI know of people who have gained weight as a result of food allergies, not lack of exercise or high caloric intake.  You may have a trigger food or two that prevents meaningful weight loss.  Only an allergist could tell you for sure.\n\nThere could also be glandular conditions which result in weight gain, so you may want to consult a physician for a complete physical with blood work.  A low functioning thyroid is one reason some people lack a normal metabolism, for instance.  Diabetics or pre-diabetics can also lose weight once they start on blood sugar medications.\n\nBariatric surgery will definitely take the raw weight off your body, but you have to drink substantial amounts of water\nand maintain a very strict diet.  There is a significant risk of post-operative complications, even death.  The lap band procedure is considered safer than the gastric by-pass, and it is reversible.
610427
Type 2 Diabetes, High blood pressure, Heart disease, Sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, etc... I used to be obese myself, and it's not such an easy task to fight. The gastric bypass operation seems to be beneficial for most, however, it's still taking a life-threatening risk. Obesity can be due to genetic, environmental, or psychological issues, so it may be easier to lose weight than others. Like anorexia and bulimia, it is also considered an eating disorder in that category.
191739
There are many kinds of disabilities. I was always too small to be good at sports, but participated at some level. Mrs. Hawkings says little Steven did not concentrate on school until he found out he had Lou Gerigh's disease(alateral scilorsis?). And there is nothing he rather do than work now. He gets to travel and is famous because of his difficulties. He has been on Star Trek and The Simpsons since he is so recognizable. \nPerhpas we all have some differences, things we are not good at and hopefully we contribute what we can and not pig out on resources.
87121
I believe that malnutrition and overnutrition ARE health problems. Another impact that obesity may have on society is the absolute predjudice that people so casually express about overweight people...even in the workplace! How hurtful that is! It must make quite a negative effect on our society - which frankly is mostly made up of overweight people.
1130486
If your mother is ill and has medicare, and weighs over a 300 lbs\nfor a bariatric commode , or is very wide bottomed she will also\nqualify but needs a prescription. Medical goods stores rent and \nsell these commodes. If they need to they can order one for her\nCall a store that rents wheelchairs, hospital beds and other \nmedical goods and they will be happy to help you.