Should Obese Workers Be Fired?

I just watched a segment on one of the weekend news shows about discussion over firing employees who are obese. The main issue had to do with the increased health care expenses for overweight employees.

For the self insured company it is very obvious which employee costs more. The constitutionality and issue of privacy rights are hot issues.

Work places also want to help people stay healthy because it is certainly a win-win for the company and the individuals.

Singling people out and talking to them about their weight and life style habits takes a great deal of sensitivity but probably isn't welcomed at all. Inviting people to join a weight loss program on a volunteer basis has possibilities.

Is this discrimination?

It was also mentioned that hiring women is a liability because they are likely to get pregnant and maternity care is costly as well as losing them when they resign to stay home and raise their children.

I was surprised the smoking issue did not come up.

Here is a great question:

Does the workplaces create stress that leads to worker weight gain?

That talk didn't come up. It seemed to place all the blame on the overweight individual. For health care workers it is a sticky situation. Health care workers who are not happy with their health may not bring up the topic of weight loss, quitting smoking, and other lifestyle factors with their patients. This avoidance leads both to suffer.

Obesity is the entire nation's problem since 60% of us are overweight. We can take it on as a nation in a way that is positive and inspiring, not with fear. A wellness program for health care workers can be successful without intimidating them with job loss. Beginning with health care workers can have a beneficial ripple effect to the community they serve.

Financial Penalties for Japanese Workers with Large Waist Measurements.......................

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