Obesity is a growing problem in the United States, as a human
resource professional you may be wondering how this may affect
your job. Disease co-morbidity related to obesity is sky
rocketing. Heart disease and coronary artery disease, diabetes,
and high blood pressure are all disorders or diseases related to
obesity. The misconception that may come into play is that
obesity is just a lifestyle choice. Collectively the diseases
related to obesity are reportedly worse than those of heavy
smokers or drinkers. When related to the workplace the loss of
productivity, inability to perform job duties and absenteeism
are the manifestations of this disease. Weight related
discrimination happens every day and people are beginning to
realize that we need laws in place to stop this discrimination.
Consequently, there has been an increase in backing for laws to
ban employers from not giving promotions, refusing to hire, or
firing of competent workers based entirely on their weight.
Employers need to keep in mind that they