FYI:BMI Standards and Disability

Wait 30 years, then see what ya think...........

 

............ Jim

 

I haven't been able to decide which side of the coin I'm on with this issue. On one hand, I'd rather see the government subsidize an obese person rather than let his/her obesity put an entire family in financial distress and they ALL wind up on government subsidies. (Believe me, I've seen it happen to folks -- who for medical reasons -- are unable to work but unable to collect disability.)

The flip side is that in the majority of cases, obesity can be controlled -- however difficult it may be. I know I'm sweating this recession because, despite being a solid and productive employee, I know my weight will instantly put me in the "do not consider" list with most prospective employers. Despite all our talk about looking at the "inner person", physical appearance still counts more than most think.

From the financial aspect of paying disability for obesity, it doesn't make much difference in my book. Look around -- you don't see many OLD obese people. We don't live into our late 70's, 80's, and 90's. Height:weight proportional people... thin people do. So what you pay an obese person in disability is simply what you're not going to be paying him in social security at 75, 80, 90 years old. It all comes out in the wash.

 

Anticipitory Disability?

As far as I know, BMI hasn't booted anyone out as yet.

I'm 5'6", 260. Yup...morbidly obese by standards. My fault. 100%. Trying to lose weight now as I turn 50 this year simply be eating less at the end of the day...that's my weak time.

I really struggle with the "I've paid into the system for years" argument. It's not like a savings account, IMHO. It's more of an insurance policy, and if you're able to work, it shouldn't pay out.

If and when the standards go into effect, I might reconsider.

 

Companies are currently using it as a hiring standard.

But they arent forcing people out. All ive heard is theyre forcing people who dont have sleep apnea to go to sleep studies. Some of them end up having it, get a cpap machine and a job....

 

Prime is one...I called them several years ago (before discovering this website), and they told me of their level of acceptance.

I've got a CPAP going on 2 years. But I also had sleep apnea 100 pounds ago...runs in my family.

 

depends what you mean by being booted out

if you already have a job ....yes you will probably be able to keep it


but if 2 people going for the same job with the same qualifications 1 thin 1 very over weight who do you think will get the job

same goes for age.... all the young guys here knock down the overweight guys ....just wait till you have 30-36 years behind the wheel with all the unhealthy food you get at truckstops and and see where you are...... and your prospects of getting a good job when your over 50 no matter how good your driving record and experience is and i know some guys can eat all they want and never gain weight but thats about 20%of the drivers out there

when your young and have few expences you can afford to take more time off to relax and take care of your self but when you get married have kids and an apartment or a house payment with all the other expences involved with the low pay most company's currently pay you will be doing nothing but working, sleeping and eating to pay them bills and we will see where your weight , health and job prospects are after your 50

then add the new rules for 2012 you can kiss your driving career goodby

and the way i feel if i have a good driving record and they cut my career short because they percieve me to be too unhealthy to make a living at something i've been doing over 30 years and i feel i can still do it and they say i can't ......then they can pay me....

 

Excellent post! My point exactly!

 

Well hmmm... let's see. Um.... the thinner guy? Becuase the overweight guy might be more prone to on the job injury and cause the company's workmans comp rates to go up? Maybe the overweight guy could have too many days lost work due to health concerns? Maybe the overweight guy won't take very good care of the equipment?

Maybe you didn't notice but, I am far from being a "young guy".

Evidently you haven't read many of the threads here about how to lose weight on the road....... It ain't that hard.

..and the rest of us have to stay off of the cheeseburger express train to the chicken fried bacon buffet.

Having worked my butt of for the last 30+ years in construction and trucking, bought a house and raised 6 kids ........ and being in really good shape according to the family doc (except for smoking) I really don't know how you get your info or what to say about it.

There is a system in place to deal with drug abuse in the industry, there are accomodations for people with sleep apnea and, some other things.

Do you really think that just because a new regulation is put into place that people are just going to be fired on the spot for being fat?

You don't know for a fact and, neither do I but, I'd be willing to bet that there will be treatment options and rehab programs for anyone who might be disqulified for weight issues. Do you honestly think that the same government that makes such a huge isssue of discrimination is going to leave themselves open to a huge class action suit from drivers that are suddenly to fat to drive by regulation? I highly doubt it.



..................... Jim

 

UNREAL! A lazy asshaat fat fucher get's free money.. There is absoluteely zero personal accountability left in this country..

So what you worked 35 years. You should have planned better, instead you just cleaned out the grocery store and now get to suck of society's teet..

What a gem you are...

Why don't you take that initial settlement check and go get gastric bypass and join the human race again?