Obesity has become a worldwide problem that continues to get worse each year. Adults and children alike are struggling with this disease, which can lead to serious medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, and more.

One of the biggest reasons for the increase in obesity is the lifestyle changes we have experienced over the years. Today, many people consume diets consisting of highly processed foods, food and drinks full of sugar and fat, and they do not get enough exercise. There are more jobs today that do not require physical labor, children are watching their tablets or televisions instead of playing outside, and parents are overwhelmed with their work schedules and are short on time, which makes it hard to prepare healthy meals or stay active.

Unfortunately, the rise in obesity has created a ripple effect of issues, from the burden it has placed on the healthcare system to rising medical costs, and there is also a lack of solutions for those affected. Today we are going to talk about the question, “Is obesity a disability?

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Obesity Is Categorized By Severity

Obesity is a condition where an individual's body fat percentage has risen to a level that can create serious medical conditions. The medical industry uses a tool called a BMI scale to quickly put people into categories according to the severity of their excess body fat. An individual’s BMI level is calculated using their height and weight, and they are placed into one of the following categories:

• Underweight: The individual has a BMI of under 18.5.
• Healthy Weight: The individual has a BMI between 18.6 and 24.9.
• Overweight: The individual has a BMI between 25 and 29.9.
• Obesity Class 1: The individual has a BMI between 30 and 34.9.
• Obesity Class 2: The individual has a BMI between 35 and 39.9.
• Obesity Class 3: The individual has a BMI between 40 and higher - this category was formerly called morbidly obese.

Is Obesity A Disability, A Disease, Or What?

Some have asked, “Is being overweight a disability?” Is obesity a disability or is it a disease? The questions have been under debate for many years and the answer depends on who you ask and where you live. Many experts across the United States recognize obesity as a chronic disease and have published their conclusions, including the following organizations:

• The National Institute of Health in 1998;
• The American Obesity Society in 2008;
• The World Health Organization in 1997;
• World Obesity in 2017;
• The American Medical Association in 2013;
• Royal College of Physicians in 2019.

Being overweight is not considered a disability, and even those who fall under class 1 or class 2 obesity are not viewed under the law as disabled unless they have some type of underlying medical condition that is contributing to their obesity.

In many cases, those who suffer from severe obesity (level 3 obesity) have issues carrying out normal activities like walking, standing, or performing their job functions at work. If their obesity is creating other medical conditions that lead to significant limitations, it might be considered a disability.

Is Obesity A Disability Under The ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that was passed to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Most federal courts in the U.S. have ruled that obesity alone is not considered a disability under the ADA; however, if their obesity was caused by another medical condition, such as a thyroid disorder, it may be an exception to the rule. This individual may qualify for disability protection under this law, but without a recognized medical condition that promotes excess weight, simply being obese is not enough to qualify as a disability under federal law.

Interestingly, some states have their own laws when it comes to obesity being considered a disability. For instance, Washington, Louisiana, and Texas have all passed laws offering individuals suffering from obesity more discrimination protection than the federal law regarding obesity as a disability without another contributing medical condition.

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What Causes Obesity?

Obesity is a very complex disease, and there are many things that can contribute to an individual's obesity. Once an individual gains an excess amount of weight, they can develop other serious medical conditions that make it almost impossible for them to lose the excess weight and restore their health. Their metabolism is adversely affected, and medical intervention is needed to get their health back on track again. Some of the things that can contribute to obesity include:

• Genetics;
• Eating an unhealthy diet;
• A lack of physical activity;
• Certain medical conditions;
• Medications;
• Mental health.

Does Obesity Impact An Individual's Life Expectancy?

Yes, in fact, obesity is considered the second most common reason for preventable premature death in America today. Carrying too much excess weight can have a significant impact on a person’s health and shorten their life expectancy by ten to fourteen years. Individuals carrying too much extra weight are more subject to serious health conditions, including:

• Coronary disease;
• Diabetes;
• Hypertension;
• Stroke;
• Many forms of cancer;
• And more.

The danger to an individual’s health and life rises as their BMI number increases and whether there are other risks to consider, such as smoking or a sedentary lifestyle.

Obesity May Not Be Considered A Disability, But It Can Be Disabling

Suffering from obesity may not qualify an individual for discrimination protection, but it can definitely make it difficult to perform your daily tasks. It can impede your mobility, and cause joint pain, back pain, as well as many other chronic health conditions.

Studies have shown that losing even as little as 5% of your body weight can have a significant impact on your metabolic health and reduce your risk of developing more serious issues.

Get Professional Help

At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, we understand the complexities of the disease of obesity, and we can help you reclaim your health.

Dr. Steven Batash is a board-certified gastroenterologist and an expert in obesity medicine. He has been working with individuals to overcome the challenges of obesity for over 30 years, and he and his team are available to help you too. Regardless of where you live, the team at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center can create a customized plan for you and your circumstances to help you lose and maintain a healthy weight.

Many individuals are not able to lose weight with just diet and exercise alone, and they require some type of medical intervention. Historically, this meant bariatric surgery, but today there are non-surgical procedures like Suture Sculpt ESG and gastric balloons that can help you overcome previous challenges and reach sustainable weight loss. Set up a consultation today to learn more about endoscopic weight loss options, medication for weight loss, nutritional coaching, and more.

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