Legally the answer is no but don't exhale in relief just yet. Over the years dozens of "fat discrimination" cases have went to court with very few being able to prove discrimination in the workplace. Denied promotions, awkward stares, and whispers in the office are kept very tidy by Human Resource departments across America. It would be very hard to believe that weight, looks, and other health issues haven't play a role in career advancement in Corporate America. Proving discrimination in the workplace can be almost impossible at best. Pan American Airways agreed to pay .35 million to 116 women who were discriminated against for being overweight in 1989 and hundreds of cases would follow in the 90's, but as the years pass, these types of cases in Corporate America are becoming extinct.
Healthcare costs have been the highest in recent years with many corporations forced to flip the bill for their employees. As a result, many companies have agreed to increase premiums for those who are overweight, smokers, have high cholesterol, and various other health impacting issues. The premise of the increase was to reward healthy behavior and help those with habit related problems. This may seem discriminatory however many healthy workers would disagree. Healthy workers who visit the doctor 1 to 2 times a year have been paying the same premiums as unhealthy workers who on average visit the doctor 9-13 times annually.
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Discrimination anywhere and in any form is highly unacceptable but the reality is it exists. For many of us, being overweight is a choice. For others it's an illness that requires medical treatment. Deciding to go on a diet to lose weight can be one of the most mentally challenging processes filled with lots of doubt and many questions. However difficult the decision, it has to be your own. Motivation from outside sources, including work, is great but only you can make it happen. Can you be fired for being overweight? Legally no. But can you live a happier life by losing weight? Well, that depends on you.
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