What are the social and economic consequences of morbid obesity?
Difficulty finding jobs. Employers anticipate a high absenteeism rate due to illness and/or risk of on-the-job injuries. Many times a morbidly obese job applicant will be passed over for a job or a promotion, because they may not be perceived as attractive as, or feel as confident as other job candidates. Decreased social activity as it becomes more difficult to fit in. It may become more difficult to get in and out of cars, fit into the seats at a theatre, stadium or ride on an airplane. Activity such as, walking up a flight of stairs or from the parking lot into the store, requires rest stops for the individual to catch his or her breath. Morbidly obese individuals may also find it difficult to bathe or clean themselves, leaving the individual to rely on family or neighbors to help with basic needs. This can be embarrassing and result in further isolation of the individual.
