There is no specific weight or BMI number that automatically qualifies as a disability. Instead, disability is generally defined by the functional limitations a condition causes rather than a measurement alone.
APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY FOR OBESITY
There's no magic number for your weight or BMI that will determine your eligibility for benefits. Instead, the decision will be based largely on a review of your medical records.
any condition that restricts physical activity or physical work (e.g. back problems, migraines) any disfigurement or deformity. any mental illness for which help or supervision is required.
How much a medical condition affects a person is called the disability weight (DW). This is determined by disease or disability and does not vary with age.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) High Cholesterol. Kidney Disease. Osteoarthritis.
BMI for Adults
18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal weight. 25.0 to 29.9 is considered overweight. 30.0 to 39.9 is considered obesity. 40.0 and higher is considered extreme obesity.
With rare exceptions, state and federal courts do not consider obesity a disability under the ADA guidelines unless it is caused by a separate underlying health condition. For example, if a person experiences weight gain as a symptom of Cushing syndrome, their obesity may be classified as a disability.
The vast majority of courts have held that obesity is not a disability under the ADA unless it is caused by an underlying health condition. Some federal district courts, as well as many state courts, have held that obesity is a disability even absent evidence of an underlying health condition.
Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.
American women aged 20 years and above weigh an average of 170.8 pounds (lbs), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . While these numbers may be the average, they are not a measure of health.
Although the challenges individuals with disabilities face are unique and idiosyncratic, there are generally four main categories of disabilities – physical, behavioral, developmental, and sensory.
Medical Conditions That May Qualify
Chronic or end-stage organ failure. HIV/AIDS requiring extensive treatment. Certain haematological and oncological conditions. Severe respiratory conditions requiring home oxygen or ventilator support.
Other Examples of Non-covered Conditions
Broken limbs, sprains, concussions, appendicitis, common colds, or influenza generally would not be disabilities.
No, a BMI of 23 is considered within the healthy weight range (18.5–24.9) for most adults, not "fat," but it's important to remember BMI doesn't measure body fat directly; well-muscled individuals might have a higher BMI with low fat, while others with a low BMI could still have high body fat.
For example, if someone is 5'8” and weighs 200 lbs The BMI reading would be 30.4 which would put the person in the obese category.
For most people, the body mass index (BMI) is a good reference. A BMI below 18.5 would be underweight for most adults (over age 15). For children, underweight means having a BMI below the 5th percentile. (That's less than 95% of children their age.)
Here are the Top Disabilities That Are Difficult To Prove
If you need evidence to show you have a disability
You can get evidence from your doctor or another medical professional. This could include: how long your impairment is likely to last and if it's likely to get worse.
Invisible Conditions Face: Major Recognition Challenges
Mental health disabilities also rank among the most overlooked conditions. Depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder significantly impact daily functioning.
They are in the obese range (BMI is 30 or more) if they are 174 pounds or more. A person who is 5 ft. 10 in. tall is in the overweight range (BMI is 25 to 29) if they weigh between 174 and 202 pounds. They are in the obese range (BMI is 30 or more) if they are 209 pounds or more.
Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese. In 2019, an estimated 5 million noncommunicable disease (NCD) deaths were caused by higher-than-optimal BMI.
For a patient to be considered clinically severe, or morbidly obese, he or she must have a body mass index or BMI of 35–39.9 with one or more severe health conditions or a BMI of 40 or greater.
Healthcare providers consider rapid weight gain to be a major increase in your body weight over a short period of time. If you gain 2 to 3 pounds a day, or 5 pounds a week, you should see your provider.
In some cases, underlying medical conditions may contribute to weight gain. These include: an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) – where your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Cushing's syndrome – a rare disorder that causes the over-production of steroid hormones.
Health risks of obesity