Does obesity count as a disability UK?
This case was very fact specific and the EAT highlighted in its judgment that obesity is not in itself a disability under discrimination law however, it may make it more likely that someone is disabled.
People with obesity weigh more than what is considered the healthy weight for their height. In the medical community, obesity is defined as a BMI of 30.0 or higher. No specific weight or BMI establishes obesity as a severe impairment within the disability program.
To be considered medically obese, your BMI must be 30 or higher. Obesity is linked to a number of other serious health conditions. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines if you are eligible for disability benefits by reviewing your medical history.
A worker's obesity may qualify as a disability if it prevents them from being able to work on a basis equal to that of colleagues. It could also qualify as a disability if the worker is able to perform the functions of the role but is only able to do so with discomfort.
Obesity can greatly limit an individual's day-to-day functioning and complicate a wide range of other physical and mental conditions. If obesity is preventing you from performing full-time work, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
People with a disability have to undergo a series of medical assessments before they are considered eligible for a 'blue badge'. But the guidelines mean people who are obese can apply for the passes if their weight limits their ability to walk.
Obesity is frequently subdivided into categories: Class 1: BMI of 30 to < 35. Class 2: BMI of 35 to < 40. Class 3: BMI of 40 or higher.
BMI = Person's weight (kg) / Person's height (in metres)². In adults, a BMI of 25kg/m² to 29.9kg/m² means that person is considered to be overweight, a BMI of 30kg/m² or higher means that person is considered to be obese. A BMI of 40kg/m² or higher means that person is considered to be morbidly obese.
For most adults, a BMI of: 18.5 to 24.9 means you're a healthy weight. 25 to 29.9 means you're overweight. 30 to 39.9 means you're obese. 40 or above means you're severely obese.
The definition is set out in section 6 of the Equality Act 2010. It says you're disabled if: you have a physical or mental impairment. your impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to do normal day-to-day activities.
What conditions automatically qualify you for PIP UK?
- you're 16 or over.
- you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability.
- you have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around.
- you expect the difficulties to last for at least 12 months from when they started.
Care component | Weekly rate |
---|---|
Lowest | £24.45 |
Middle | £61.85 |
Highest | £92.40 |

To focus physicians' attention on this prevalent health issue, the American Medical Association (AMA) recently declared obesity to be a disease.
A letter of diagnosis, as up to date as possible. Evidence of the progression of your condition over time. Confirmation of ongoing treatments, clinic attendances, or referral for such. Evidence of prescribed medication relevant to your condition.
People who automatically get a Blue Badge
you receive a Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) because you can't walk more than 50 metres (a score of 8 points or more under the 'moving around' activity of the mobility component)
- are registered as blind.
- get the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - check your decision letter if you're not sure.
- get War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
While being overweight is a precursor to obesity and, like obesity, can increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke, it's also possible to be overweight and still healthy, especially if you're free from chronic diseases like hypertension or diabetes.
- Overweight (not obese), if BMI is 25.0 to 29.9.
- Class 1 (low-risk) obesity, if BMI is 30.0 to 34.9.
- Class 2 (moderate-risk) obesity, if BMI is 35.0 to 39.9.
- Class 3 (high-risk) obesity, if BMI is equal to or greater than 40.0.
...
BMI.
BMI | Weight standard |
---|---|
Below 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5–24.9 | Normal weight |
25.0–29.9 | Overweight |
30.0 and higher | Obese |
Additional Studies on Life Expectancy With Obesity
The study looked at moderate and severe obesity and found that: Moderate Obesity (BMI Between 30 and 40) – 3 Years Lost. Morbid Obesity (BMI of 40+) – 8 to 10 Years Lost.
What is the difference between obese and morbidly obese?
Obesity, having too much body fat, is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30. BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your height. Morbid obesity, which is also termed “clinically severe obesity,” is typically defined as being more than 100 pounds overweight or having a BMI of 40 or higher.
Your body mass index (BMI) is the initial factor that determines whether you'll qualify for weight loss surgery. A BMI between 18 and 25 is desirable. A BMI over 25 suggests you're overweight, while 30-39 indicates you're obese. A BMI of 40+ suggests morbid obesity.
- All-causes of death (mortality).
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- High LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides (dyslipidemia).
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Coronary heart disease.
- Stroke.
- Gallbladder disease.
Start by tracking everything you eat. “You have to become a good record-keeper,” Dr. Eckel said. “Reduce calories by 500 calories per day to lose about a one pound a week, or cut 1,000 calories a day to lose about two pounds a week.”
...
Adult BMI Calculator.
BMI | Weight Status |
---|---|
18.5—24.9 | Healthy Weight |
25.0—29.9 | Overweight |
30.0 and Above | Obesity |
- Mental Health Conditions. Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and somatic disorder are considered high-value claims. ...
- Scars. ...
- Musculoskeletal Conditions. ...
- Presumptive Disorders. ...
- Tinnitus.
What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.
- Read your PIP form thoroughly. Make any notes of changes to your condition. Remind yourself of your answers. ...
- Read the PIP descriptors for each question.
- Understand what the PIP assessment is.
- Make a list of points you would like to make during your assessment – and take this with you.
Award rates for all claims (excluding withdrawn cases) between April 2013 and January 2022 show that: 42% receive an award for normal rules new claims. 71% receive an award for normal rules DLA reassessment claims. 99% of SRTI claimants are awarded PIP.
Advice: The DWP will usually contact your GP or healthcare professional to obtain medical evidence when you submit a PIP or ESA claim, the information is then sent to the DWP as part of your claim process.
How hard is it to get awarded PIP?
To qualify for PIP, you have to score enough points on the PIP test for daily living or mobility (or both). If you score between eight and 11 points for the daily living activities, you get the standard rate of the daily living component.
You may be able to do some work if you have a disability, illness or health condition and still have the security of keeping any of the following benefits payments and National Insurance credits: Employment and Support Allowance ( ESA ) Incapacity Benefit.
Is there a national register of disabled people? No, there's currently no national register of people with disabilities. Some local authorities may operate voluntary registers in their areas. These voluntary registers are used by local authorities to plan future services.
The amount a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claimant receives depends on how difficult they find every activities and mobility. For those who find everyday activities difficult, the lower weekly rate is £61.85 and the higher rate is £92.40.
Without evidence of an underlying physiological disorder or condition, extreme obesity is not an impairment under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
For a patient to be considered clinically severe, or morbidly obese, he or she must have a body mass index or BMI of 35–39.9 with one or more severe health conditions or a BMI of 40 or greater.
You're disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a 'substantial' and 'long-term' negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
The definition is set out in section 6 of the Equality Act 2010. It says you're disabled if: you have a physical or mental impairment. your impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to do normal day-to-day activities.
Mobility component | Weekly rate |
---|---|
Higher rate | £64.50 |
Lower rate | £24.45 |
You should also present some medical evidence. The more credible medical evidence you can present, the more likely it is the judge will agree that you have a disability. The kind of evidence you might present would include medical reports, relevant GP records, specialist nurse or consultant reports.
What are 14 major types of disability?
autism; • deaf-blindness; • deafness; • emotional disturbance; • hearing impairment; • intellectual disability; • multiple disabilities; • orthopedic impairment; • other health impairment; • specific learning disability; • speech or language impairment; • traumatic brain injury; or • visual impairment (including ...
Invisible disabilities can include chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders if those diseases significantly impair normal activities of daily living.
...
Adult BMI Calculator.
BMI | Weight Status |
---|---|
Below 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5—24.9 | Healthy Weight |
25.0—29.9 | Overweight |
30.0 and Above | Obesity |
References
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