Obesity Discrimination in the Workplace

Obesity can be considered a workplace disability under certain circumstances, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific facts of the case. In some instances, obesity is considered a disability if it substantially limits a major life activity or if it results from an underlying medical condition. If considered a disability, it may be subject to employment protections under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States.

How Are Obese People Being Discriminated in the Workplace?

Obese individuals may face various forms of workplace discrimination, including but not limited to:

1. Hiring bias: An example of hiring bias against obese applicants could involve a qualified candidate being turned down for a position because the employer believes they will be less productive or less capable due to their weight.
   • For instance, an obese applicant with relevant experience and skills may be passed over for a job in favor of a less-qualified, non-obese applicant because the employer perceives the obese applicant as lazy or lacking self-discipline.
2. Unequal pay and promotions: An obese employee might be consistently given smaller raises or denied promotions, even when they demonstrate strong job performance.
   • For example, an obese employee might have a successful sales record, but their manager might pass them over for a promotion in favor of a non-obese employee with fewer accomplishments, believing that the obese employee’s appearance could negatively impact the company’s image or client relationships.
3. Harassment or hostile work environment: Obese employees might be subjected to offensive comments, jokes, or unwanted attention related to their weight.
   • For instance, coworkers might make derogatory comments about an obese employee’s eating habits or physical appearance, post offensive images or memes targeting the employee’s weight, or exclude them from workplace social events due to their size. This type of behavior can create a hostile work environment, causing emotional distress and affecting the employee’s job performance.
4. Unfair termination: An example of unfair termination based on weight might involve an obese employee being fired under the guise of poor job performance, even when their work has been satisfactory or even exemplary.
   • For example, an obese employee with a solid work record might be terminated after a new manager takes over who has a negative attitude towards obesity. The manager may claim that the employee is not meeting performance expectations, but the real reason for the termination is the manager’s bias against the employee’s weight.

Possible Recourse for Obese Applicants or Employees

Obese applicants or employees who believe they have been discriminated against may have several legal options, including:

Filing a Complaint With the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

If you believe you have been discriminated against due to obesity, you can file a complaint with the EEOC or your state’s equivalent agency.

The EEOC investigates allegations of workplace discrimination and may take action against employers found to be in violation of anti-discrimination laws. For example, an obese employee who has been subjected to a hostile work environment due to their weight might file a complaint with the EEOC.

The agency would then investigate the claim. Suppose they determine that the employer violated the law. In that case, they may seek remedies such as requiring the employer to pay damages, reinstate the employee, or provide training on discrimination and harassment prevention.

Pursuing a Claim Under the ADA

If an obese person meets the definition of a disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they can file a discrimination claim under the act. For example, if an obese employee has a related medical condition, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, that substantially limits a major life activity, they may be protected by the ADA.

In this case, the employee might pursue a claim against their employer for failing to provide reasonable accommodations, such as modifying their work schedule or providing specialized equipment. If the ADA violation claim is successful, the employer may be required to provide the requested accommodations and pay damages for any harm the employee suffers.

Filing a Wrongful Termination Claim

If you believe you were fired due to your weight and can prove that the termination was unjust or discriminatory, you may file a wrongful termination claim.

For example, an obese employee with a strong work record is suddenly fired without any legitimate performance-related reasons. The employee later discovers that their termination was based on their weight and not their job performance.

In this situation, the employee might file a wrongful termination claim, seeking remedies such as back pay, reinstatement, or damages for emotional distress. If the claim is successful, the employer may be held liable for the unlawful termination and required to compensate the employee for their losses.

Can an Employer Require Me to Lose Weight?

Employers generally cannot require employees to lose weight unless the weight requirement is job-related and consistent with business necessity. This may be the case for certain occupations where physical fitness is essential for performance, such as law enforcement or firefighting.

However, employers must still provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including obesity, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the employer.

Examples of reasonable accommodations for employees with obesity or related disabilities might include:

1. Modified workstations: Provide an employee with a larger desk, chair, or other equipment designed to accommodate their size and promote ergonomic comfort.
2. Schedule adjustments: Allowing an employee with obesity-related health issues, such as sleep apnea or joint pain, to have a flexible work schedule or additional breaks to manage their condition.
3. Accessible facilities: Ensuring that common areas, restrooms, and other workplace facilities are accessible and suitable for employees with obesity, such as providing larger bathroom stalls or doorways.
4. Job restructuring: Modifying an employee’s job duties to accommodate their disability, for example, by reassigning non-essential tasks that may be physically challenging for an employee with obesity-related mobility issues.
5. Telecommuting: Allowing an employee with obesity-related health issues to work from home or another remote location when possible to reduce stress on their body or to accommodate medical appointments.
6. Assistance with physical tasks: Providing assistance or equipment to help an employee with obesity-related mobility issues perform certain job tasks, such as using a cart to transport heavy items or providing a stool for tasks requiring extended standard periods.

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations unless doing so would cause undue hardship, which generally means significant difficulty or expense.

Factors that may be considered when determining undue hardship include the following:

• Nature and cost of the accommodation;
• The financial resources of the employer;
• The size and structure of the business;
• The impact of the accommodation on the operation of the business.

In some cases, an employer may be able to demonstrate that a requested accommodation would be unduly burdensome and, therefore, not required under the law.

What Should I Do If I Suspect That I Have Been Discriminated Against Because of My Weight?

If you suspect that you have been discriminated against because of your weight, it is important to take action. You should consider contacting a qualified employment or discrimination lawyer to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.

They can help you determine whether you have a viable claim and guide you through the process of pursuing justice for the discrimination you have experienced.