IEconomic Impact
In addition to its health impacts, obesity leads to many problems including disadvantages in employment and increased business costs. These effects are felt by all levels of society from individuals, to corporations, to governments.
Obesity can lead to social stigmatization and disadvantages in employment. When compared to their normal weight counterparts, obese workers on average have higher rates of absenteeism from work and take more disability leave, thus increasing costs for employers and decreasing productivity. A study examining Duke University employees found that people with a BMI over 40 filed twice as many workers' compensation claims as those whose BMI was 18.5–24.9. They also had more than 12 times as many lost work days. The most common injuries in this group were due to falls and lifting, thus affecting the lower extremities, wrists or hands, and backs.The US state of Alabama Employees' Insurance Board approved a controversial plan to charge obese workers $25 per month if they do not take measures to reduce their weight and improve their health. These measures started in January 2010 and apply to those with a BMI of greater than 35 kg/m2 who fail to make improvements in their health after one year.
Some research shows that obese people are less likely to be hired for a job and are less likely to be promoted. Obese people are also paid less than their non-obese counterparts for an equivalent job. Obese women on average make 6% less and obese men make 3% less.
Specific industries, such as the airline and food industries, have special concerns. Due to rising rates of obesity, airlines face higher fuel costs and pressures to increase seating width. In 2000, the extra weight of obese passengers cost airlines US$275 million. Costs for restaurants are increased by litigation accusing them of causing obesity. In 2005 the US Congress discussed legislation to prevent civil law suits against the food industry in relation to obesity; however, it did not become law
Many studies show that depression is especially present in females who are obese and that there is more depression present in those who are obese than persons of normal weight. Studies have also shown that binge eating is common amongst severely obese adolescents and is related to high levels of anxiety and depression, as well as to low levels of self-esteem and body attitude
Psychological Effects
Very overweight and obese people have reduced psychological health. Their self-esteem and social interaction may be impaired, they may have a poor body image and anxiety and depression.
5 comments:
I think airlines should charge for the weight of a passenger. It's not fair my luggage is restricted when someone is 84lbs overweight sat on the plane next to me
I'm not sure that charging someone for their weight is the right answer, however if someone is of a certain size they should have to purchase two seats. I've gotten stuck beside people before that should have had two seats and it makes for a very uncomfortable flight for everyone. chinese astrology compatibility
Specific industries, such as the airline and food industries, have special concerns. Due to rising rates of obesity, airlines face higher fuel costs and pressures to increase seating width. In 2000,
A very good article! Thx a lot, obesity is not a thing to joke about
Terrific post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I'd be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Bless you!
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