Is morbid obesity considered a handicap? There are at least two people at work who use these scooters provided

for them at the company's expense. I always assumed that they had something like MS or some other mobility limiting illness. As it turns out, it's just because they're obese. Not that it's really my business, but....

it came up because I've been on crutches with a broken ankle, and the security guy said that if I got tired of hobbling around, they could buy me a scooter. I was shocked, and he said <names omitted> have them just because they're fat." I checked it out, and he was right. I still didn't take him up on it though.

It's sad that we make it easier to be extremely fat these days. I don't want to see them layiing in bed for the rest of their lives even though they did it to theirselves...but come on a scooter for work or grocery shopping, special seats on airplanes theatres.
it's telling the world be really fat we'll make life more comfortable for ya.
I wouldn't be so mad but i've seen old couples or people in cruches who would really benefit for having the special mobility option, the ones who couldn't control their handicap, be stuck because this fat couple took the only 2 scooters available at this store so they had to go some place else. The fat ones do it themselves so they shouldn't get special treament. Unless it's medically proven they suffer from thyroidism before thy got fat and wasn't from over eating and laziness!

Thankyou sorry for ranting Great Q

I think that they may need it because of getting tired and can't breath normally. Obese people are known to be lazy and this is a form of laziness.

Yes, being morbidly obese can be a handicap since their mobility is compromised. The scooters let them get where they need to be without causing too much strain or taking too much time.

Not that I know of. Your company is complying with some government regulation. They may have a mobility problem because of their weight. If your company is saying they are handicapped, they may be getting government kickbacks for it. Only a doctor can determine handicap status.

I dont think its a handicap...really...

Its overfat...and can contribute to many health problems...

it's considered a handicap but I think it's ridiculous. If someone got lung cancer from smoking all their life would the company pay for chemotherapy? If someone lost their hearing from constantly going to loud concerts would the company pay for a hearing aid? If a co-worker was a marthon runner and developed crippling shin splints from all the training would the company give THEM a scooter? If the company is not willing to provide for ALL of their employees who have done damage to their OWN bodies then there is NO reason your obese co-workers should be provided these scooters.

Depends when they were hired, If they have worked there and gained considerable weight, then it's the company's problem to get them on a health program. They must be doing their job, because they are still working there. If they are just obese, and the company pays their insurance, they are probably paying their a s s out in coverage!! That is most likely why they have scooters!

I think it is sort of a handicap since they might be slower then most people and have trouble breathing.

I don't consider it a handicap in itself, but it is the cause of many secondary problems such as asthma, shortness of breath, and bad knees which makes it difficult and painful to walk. I for one am glad to see them out and about instead of being sedentary.

Yes I think so, the term handicap means just that without regards as to the cause. Limited mobility and decreased physical ability is just that, who cares why? So they brought it on themselves you say? Well, so did the guy with the ski injury and the person who wrecked their car by going too fast.

Unfortunately, it is, but in my opinoin it shouldn't be unless it is caused by another medical condition (like a serious thyroid problem). People who eat so much that they have that condition have an addiction to food like alcoholics are addicted to alcohol. Alcoholics don't get special privelages at work because of hangovers and memory lapses do they (softer lighting, quieter rooms, different working hours)? It's ridiculous. I would consider seeing if you could temporarily get a scooter. It's ok in your case, you have an actual condition.

sounds like they could use the excercise of walking!!!! I would be embarrassed to use one of those for that reason.

There is a woman at my job who "has to" use the elevator and can park in the handicapped parking spot because she is obese. Now I am not a cruel person...I am sorry that she is unhealthy...however, no one needs to park further from the door or use the stairs more than her. Sounds like two good steps to a more healthy life to me.
I do think it is ridiculous.

The security guard doesn't know everything. Has he seen their complete medical charts???? Have You???
It's so ignorant and arrogant to assume anything. Some people become overweight AFTER a medical condition has befallen them. I know this because my poor husband gained 30 pounds after having major surgery and being incapacitated for almost three months. He walks with a cane because painful blood clots developed in his legs when he was unable to exercise.