Colorado may be the least obese state in the U.S., but that isn’t stopping it from leading the way in fighting fatphobia. Will other states catch on to the idea?
Tackling Weight Discrimination
In an effort to combat weight-related discrimination, Colorado, renowned for its commitment to health, is introducing two pivotal bills aiming to address weight-based biases across the state.
The Proactive Colorado Initiative
Colorado is taking proactive steps to foster fair treatment, irrespective of body size, reflecting the state’s dedication to ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, but how will they do it?
Drawing Inspiration From New York City
Taking inspiration from New York City, Colorado is exploring laws to prevent employers from firing based on weight and ensure fair compensation compared to slimmer colleagues.
A Nationwide Push
This movement isn’t only in Colorado. Across the country, weight discrimination is gaining attention. Michigan has been enforcing similar laws since 1976.
The U.S. Obesity Challenge
The United States faces a significant obesity challenge, with a rate of 39.6%, double the OECD average. This problem prompts a closer look at regional differences within the country.
High Obesity Prevalence in Some States
Certain states, like West Virginia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, have high obesity rates.
Legal Landscape Across States
Among the ten slimmest states, half are proposing laws against weight discrimination. Interestingly, none of the ten heaviest states have taken similar measures.
Legal Ruling in Texas
In June, Texas made a significant legal ruling clarifying that weight isn’t considered a protected characteristic unless medically classified as a disability.
A Case in Texas Unveiled
This ruling stemmed from a case involving a 28-stone woman dismissed as an A&E doctor. The court clarified the difference between excessive weight as a physical characteristic and a legally protected disability.
Advocating for Change
Kristal Hartman, leading the Obesity Action Coalition, is at the forefront of challenging societal perceptions. The goal is to shift the narrative about obesity away from superficial judgments.
Looking At Obesity Historically
“The history of obesity is that most people have thought it is the person’s fault,” she began.
A New Perspective on Obesity
“[People think] they did this to themselves, they’re lazy, they eat McDonald’s 10 times a day,” she said, “But as the science has improved, and the research has improved, we’re understanding that that is absolutely not the be-all and end-all of obesity.”
The Mission of the Obesity Action Coalition
Under Kristal Hartman’s leadership, the Obesity Action Coalition actively works to reshape public perceptions of obesity.
Colorado as a Pioneer in Legislation
Colorado stands out as a pioneer, sparking a conversation about weight, discrimination, and individual rights. The legislative initiatives aim to foster inclusivity and fight biases.
The post Colorado Paves Way for Nationwide Efforts Against Weight Discrimination first appeared on Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / antoniodiaz. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
