do u consider being obese a handicap?

Question

ive heard people get welfare checks for this, u think its cool?

Answer 1

I disagree with welfare, period, or any other entitlement program...but, that being said - obesity is a disease just like any other disease. Whether the cause is psychological (eating disorder) or physical (thyroid, PCOS, etc) the fact is that yes, some obese people (like myself) are handicapped, due to medical problems like arthritis that are caused by the weight.

However, I don't collect disability or welfare and don't have any desire to. I do wish that obesity was recognized as the disease it is, and that treatment for it was offered by the insurance companies.

And I find it sad that obesity is the last acceptable form of discrimination, as evidenced by many of the ignorant opinions outlined in some of the answers you got. I'm not lazy, a couch potato, distgusting, or stupid. I hate the stereotypes associated with being fat.

I graduated college with honors, have a loving family, am a contributing member of society who makes six figures and gives of myself to volunteer work and charity, yet I'm afraid to leave the house much of the time because of the hatred and ignorance I have to endure EVERY time I go out.

For all of you that think it's easy to be fat (I'm at least 200 lbs overweight), have one of your football player buddies hop on your back and then try to do everything you usually do carrying all that excess weight. Or wear a fat suit and go out and see how differently people treat you. Until you've walked a mile in another person's shoes (and that also goes for those who show ignorant attitudes about other races, religions and cultures, etc) you really have no right to judge.

Answer 2

I recently lost about 80 pounds. I didn't use being overweight as an excuse to do or not do anything. I was no smarter or dumber then or now; no more or less ambitious, etc., BUT, I CAN tell you that I am certainly treated as if I am a completely different person now and that really kind of ticks me off. But, it feels good, too. But to get a welfare check for it; are you sure it's not for all the babies they are having to get so fat and so fat a check. Not that I'm against welfare, either, I had to accept it for a couple months when I left my abusive husband, but welfare is supposed to be a hand up not a hand out and sitting at home on welfare will only make you fatter, so it's a bit of a vicious cycle. I'd like to have more of my paycheck though.

Answer 3

It may not seem like too much of a handicap when you're an obese 18 year old. But wait until you're a morbidly obese 45 year old and have to contend with heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, etc. Then you'll probably wish dealt with the problem before the damage was done. The welfare checks only come when the person becomes a disgusting self-made invalid. If that's what you want, just say "show me the money".

Answer 4

I don't think being obese is a handicap because people are considered obese from 50lbs overweight and up. However, there are those who are overweight to the point where it impedes physical activity or cause major health problems. Now, I'm a big girl but I'm healthy and exercise on a regular basis, but not to lose weight just to stay healthy. And no I don't think it's cool to get checks for being obese. Keep in mind that people can be overweight for different reasons. There are legitimate illnesses and prescription drugs that cause weight gain too. So, don't judge someone without knowing the whole story because that is definitely not cool.

I wish they had chubby avatars. =)

Answer 5

I would consider it a handicap if the reason for obesity was due to a genetic problem (such as thyroid.) In this case though, insurance should cover a medically necessary gastric bypass procedure. I do not consider obesity a handicap when the person makes a conscious decision to consume fattening foods and get little exercise instead of eating healthy and exercising.

Answer 6

It is a handicap because obese people are not able to do the same things healthy normal people can.

Unless it's from illness or injury - No obese person in American deserves welfare checks for their condition. It is preventable, it is reversable.

Answer 7

to answer if obese is a handicap.. yes and no , some are obese cause of a medical condition, but obese just cause you have a eating problem then help is needed,, but no one should hate on people who are obese for what ever reason ,especialy if they have never been in there shoes,, its not anydifferent for someone that is extremely skinny, there could be medical problems and they may need some help, its not easy to loose or gain weight so those of you who have not experience this dont hate?????

Answer 8

the government should not encourage people to be fat. giving people disability for being lazy and eating too much is about as retarded as a blind monkey with no arms trying to swim. i can understand if a person has a genetic disorder causing them to be obese, but most people who are overweight are just lazy and cant put down the easy cheese and get off the couch to actually cook something healthy.

Answer 9

yea it can be when your wieght becomes a health hazzard to yourself, like cant walk,and health problems like asthma,diabetes. but than again obesity is an excuse in itself people need to stop eating some people just want the check anyways. bieng it doe effect daily life it does seem like a handicap to a certain extent

Answer 10

If it is the only factor then NO. I was big (not obese) and had a stroke that limits my ability to exercise and I have become very large. I am having bypass surgery later this year to help. I get disability because of the stroke not the weight