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| Beth A. Slagle, Esquire bas@muslaw.com |
Is obesity a disease, or merely a condition resulting from an
unhealthy lifestyle?
The debate has raged for decades. Now the American Medical
Association (AMA) finally put the question to rest in June when it voted in
favor of Resolution 420, officially declaring obesity to be a disease, whether
the cause is a physiological disorder or an unhealthy lifestyle choice. The AMA
compared obesity to lung cancer, which is unquestionably considered a disease,
whether the cause is harmful behavior like smoking or another factor.
While the resolution was intended to increase medical and
community support for obese patients, it may have unintended consequences for
employers. With the official classification of obesity as a disease, it may be
easier for overweight employees to claim protection under the Americans with
Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
Please click here to read the full article from Western
Pennsylvania Healthcare News.
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