Obesity as a Disability: Medical, Psychosocial and Vocational Implications

Obesity has become the second leading cause of death following smoking in the United States and is considered to have reached epidemic proportions over the past decade. It is estimated that almost two thirds of the U.S. population are overweight or obese. Obesity is also a contributor to a number of...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied rehabilitation counseling 2006-03, Vol.37 (1), p.21-29
Main Authors: Romero, Maria G., Marini, Irmo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral Sciences
Counseling
General Counseling
Medicine
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Counselling
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Obesity has become the second leading cause of death following smoking in the United States and is considered to have reached epidemic proportions over the past decade. It is estimated that almost two thirds of the U.S. population are overweight or obese. Obesity is also a contributor to a number of secondary disabling conditions such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory dysfunction, and musculoskeletal disorders. The psychosocial, medical and vocational implications for persons who are obese are becoming an increasing important area for rehabilitation counselors. Discrimination in employment, social situations, education, and the medical community is well documented. These issues in addition to mental health and vocational counseling strategies are discussed in this article.
ISSN:0047-2220
2639-7641
DOI:10.1891/0047-2220.37.1.21