Obesity and Disability: A Paradigm Shift in Workers’ Compensation Rehabilitation

Obesity has become a major public health concern in the United States. This epidemic has also become an occupational and long-term health problem as well. Although the obesity associated risk for mortality has diminished, obesity associated disability is on the rise, which is greatly increasing work-disability and health care needs. There is also an impact on Workers’ Compensation rehabilitation, as recent literature has also identified the relationship between obesity and work-related injury, as well as how this dynamic can promote challenges to vocational rehabilitation services. This article will discuss the literature addressing the obesity paradigm shift and how it will specifically effect Workers’ Compensation rehabilitation and the future care needs of obese individuals.