Obesity 'could be a disability' - EU courts rule

[maureenho]

Levels of obesity are rising across Europe

18 December 2014 Last updated at 10:02

Obesity can constitute a disability in certain circumstances, the EU's highest court has ruled.

The European Court of Justice was asked to consider the case of a male childminder in Denmark who says he was sacked for being too fat.

The court said that if obesity could hinder "full and effective participation" at work then it could count as a disability.

The ruling is binding across the EU.

Judges said that obesity in itself was not a disability - but if a person had a long term impairment because of their obesity, then they would be protected by disability legislation.

The case centres around childminder Karsten Kaltoft who weighs about 160kg (25 stone).
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote

If employers suddenly have to start ensuring that they've got wider seats, larger tables, more parking spaces for people who are obese, I think then we're just making the situation worse.”

Jane Deville Almond British Obesity Society

He brought a discrimination case against his employers of 15 years, Billund local authority, after he was sacked four years ago.

The authority said a fall in the number of children meant Mr Kaltoft was no longer required.

But Mr Kaltoft said he was dismissed because he was overweight.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30529791

What do you think?

[maureenho]

They are now talking about this on radio 2, what do you think?

[annie]

I don't agree, being obese is self-inflicted, if you eat less and exercise more you lose weight. I would say the only exception is if you are already disabled & put weight on because of enforced inactivity

[wendy]

I agree entirely with what Annie has said.

[maureenho]

I totally agree with you Annie, what bugs me and I always say it, how on earth can they afford the amount of food to keep that fat when there are children starving and living in poverty in the UK.

[Rosalind]

I also agree with Annie, being obese is self inflicted.

[wendy]

I suppose it can also be a problem because of the thyroid or hormones, but that is a medical problem.

[JaneJ]

I agree with annie too. any medical condition that results in it shouldn't count.

The fact that obese people (I am overweight myself so no waif!) can be classed as disabled is ridiculous. So when they require hoists and bathrooms made to measure they will be funded and have disability payments? We struggle to get it now with a medical problem not a self inflicted one.

Some can't get help with their bathrooms for medical requirements yet others probably would as people are very PC about weight/race and sexuality.

Thought provoking go90