In the case, a Danish man who lost his job was pursuing for the cancellation of the dismissal. The ECJ determined that if obesity hinders full and effective participation at work then it could be a disability. Based on this decision, Danish court has to assess his case.
The Guardian: Obesity can be a disability, EU court rules
TIME: European Court Rules That Obesity Could Be a Disability
If obesity has to be treated as a disability, every companies should prepare adequate equipment for them, such as larger chairs. Needless to say, they have to offer some encouragement for obese employees to lose their body weight. It will be a huge burden on business, some authorities say.
Both in the Europe and the US, obesity has become a big problem. Approximately one-fourth of the UK citizens are obese. In the US, this percentage is one-third. Some aggressive solutions such as plastic surgery are proposed, yet it remains problematic.
My past entry: Ultimate slimming method in Venezuela
Obese people are likely to be discriminated. There is a myth that who are obese or smoking cannot become an executive in the US because they have no power to control their own habits. I guess cases similar to the Danish frequently occurs.
Although we are responsible for our own health, inherent factor is highly influential to determine the body weight. Some people are difficult to become slim in spite of continuous efforts. From the scientific point of view, it is rational to deem obesity as a disability to some extent.
However, it is doubtful for most people to accept this concept. At least, the US will not follow this movement.
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