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Currently the social security administration (SSA) does not recognize obesity as a disability, although this was not always the case. In the past, the SSA did recognize obesity as a disabling condition, provided that certain height and weight requirements were met, and also that the condition was severe enough to cause other related impairments, such as arthritis, chronic poor circulation, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, etc. It is ironic that the SSA impairment manual, commonly referred to as the “blue book,” no longer contains an obesity listing, given the fact that there is such an increase of obesity in the population. However, there are conditions that result from obesity that can still qualify one for social security disability (SSD) benefits, including but not limited to nephropathy (obesity is hard on the kidneys, and makes it difficult for them to filter impurities out of the blood), diminished visual capacity or blindness, and hypertension, which can result in hardening of the arteries and chronic shortness of breath or congestive heart failure. Many obese individuals also suffer from type II diabetes, which is the result of the body’s inability to stabilize its blood sugar levels. Having type II diabetes predisposes an individual to developing numerous other physical impairments over time, kidney failure in particular. So, although it is no longer possible to collect SSD benefits based on obesity, it is highly likely that a claimant could be awarded benefits for a condition resultant of their obesity. For example, if one is obese and as a result has diminished kidney function, he or she could collect SSD or supplemental security income (SSI) to help pay for hemodialysis. Of course, no one wants to live with the reality of a life limited by obesity, and for this reason it is important for anyone who has had a significant weight gain and rising blood sugar levels or high blood pressure to see a physician about making changes in diet and activity levels. Despite a recent Reuters article titled “Obesity Leads to Disability,” anyone who is experiencing diminished functional capacity as a result of morbid obesity should keep in mind that the SSA does not currently recognize obesity as a disability in itself, and will not award benefits unless a severe (even life-threatening) resultant medical condition can be medically documented. In addition, obesity is still seen by many as being a result of individual choices rather than physical or mental limitations. Those seeking to win SSD or SSI benefits on the basis of a diagnosis of obesity, even morbid obesity, will have a long, hard battle ahead of them, especially in light of the fact that SSA no longer recognizes this condition as a disability. 
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