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Summary Of Morbid Obesity Is A Disability By Helen Leahey

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According to the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics, “the prevalence of morbid obesity appears to be growing particularly fast, where an estimated 6.6 percent of the United States population falls into that category” (Leahey 2). In looking at the statistics, the United States appears to be in the midst of an obesity epidemic. Not only does this epidemic give the United States an unhealthy reputation, but it also presents obesity in a generally negative manner. “Morbid Obesity is a Disability” by Helen Leahey addresses the implications of obesity in the work force by suggesting many overweight employees are experiencing weight discrimination. Although Leahey includes strong claims to draw attention to the subject of hand, she utilizes weak persuasion techniques to gain support for the growing cause, thus undermining her credibility. …show more content…

A person who is morbidly obese, or one whose body mass index is above 40, can have difficulties walking, running, getting out of a chair, and doing simple tasks. In her article, Leahey recounts her own struggles of being a morbidly obese woman in the work force. Job interviews were uncomfortable for many reasons. According to Leahey, it was hard enough to impress someone when she was overweight, but in being morbidly obese, there was the added challenge of having to squeeze into a small seat and pretend her blood circulation was not being cut off. In addition, her work tasks were grueling. Many times, co-workers had to take over tasks she could not perform on her own, such as those involving climbing large numbers of stairs or walking long distances (Leahey 1). Given these facts, does obesity appear to constitute as a

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