Let’s Talk About Obesity and Why It Shouldn’t Be a Disability. One year ago, I was clinically obese. My body mass index was far above the normal range. I was tired, breathless, and emotionally drained. I had early signs of sleep apnea and my blood pressure was creeping up.
And yet, what worried me more than my health problems was how normal it all felt. I could see how easy it would be to just settle in and stay that way, to accept it, explain it away, and even be praised for embracing my body.
But here’s the thing: I don’t believe obesity should be classified as a disability. That might sound bold, but let me explain with kindness and love.
Normalising Obesity Can Be Harmful
The body positivity movement started with something truly beautiful, encouraging people to respect themselves, no matter their shape. That message still matters. Every person deserves dignity.
But in recent years, things have shifted. There’s been a tendency to not just accept people as they are (which is important), but to accept poor health as if it’s unchangeable. Some messages even suggest that improving your body weight means you don’t love yourself.
This is not true. You can love your body and want to support it with better habits. You can practice self-acceptance and still say: I want more energy. I want to breathe easier. I want to feel strong again.
Obesity Is Not Just a Body Type, It’s a Health Condition
Obesity is not simply about appearance. It’s a serious medical condition with very real effects on your body systems.
It puts pressure on weight-bearing joints, raises your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure, and can affect your sleep, hormones, and mental health. In many cases, it’s linked to chronic disease, functional limitations, and reduced physical activity. It can be caused or worsened by underlying physiological disorders and mental health conditions, but it’s never something we should just ignore.
Labeling it as a disability may seem compassionate, but it can quietly take away the motivation to improve. It can make people feel like their situation is permanent. And most importantly, it overlooks the power we all have to change.
The Power of Healthy Habits
No matter what your current body weight is, there is hope. And not the kind that comes from quick fixes or crash diets, but from small, daily choices.
Things like:
- Swapping processed foods for real, nourishing meals
- Moving your body every day, even just a walk
- Getting enough sleep
- Addressing stress and emotional eating patterns
- Seeking support when you need it
When you take steps to care for your body, your residual functional capacity increases. You sleep better, move more easily, and your energy goes up. And while your medical records might show past health problems, your future can be written very differently.
Facing the Truth with Kindness
There are many people struggling with severe obesity, related conditions, and the combined effects of obesity. Some are limited in their ability to work, enjoy life, or do things they once loved. But instead of offering a label like disability, we can offer something much more powerful: a plan.
We don’t need to frame obesity as a permanent medical issue or severe impairment. We need to treat it as a call to action.
Let’s not frame the journey back to health as punishment. It’s actually one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Yes, it takes time. And yes, some days are hard. But it’s worth every step.
What If You’re Struggling Right Now?
If your body weight is affecting your person’s ability to do everyday things, please don’t give up. You don’t need a label, you need support. Not judgment. Not shame. Just a gentle hand and some clear guidance.
Your health issues are real. But they are also reversible in many cases. With a balanced approach to obesity treatment, guided movement, better food choices, and sometimes professional help, you can feel so much better.
You don’t need a new diagnosis. You need a new direction.
In Summary: Obesity Deserves Care, Not a Disability Label
Let’s be clear and kind at the same time: obesity is not a cosmetic disfigurement or something to be ashamed of. But it also shouldn’t be treated as a disability.
We need to create a world where people are supported to change, not excused into staying sick. Let’s shift the conversation from disability claims to human potential. Let’s replace resignation with hope. Let’s honour the effort it takes to turn things around and support people through it.
Because the truth is, you can heal. Your body was built to feel well. And no matter where you’re starting from, the path to a stronger, freer, more vibrant you is still open.
If you need help taking the first step, reach out. You’re not alone. You never were.
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