Weight Management

jc · September 2005

I have an employee who has requested intermittent FMLA for a weight management program. The health care provider has stated that the employee needs to be absent for monthly appointments at their office. I do not feel that this is a "serious or chronic" health condition and should be denied. Any thoughts?

Whatever · September 2005

Is this employee seriously overweight (obese)? If so, does the employee have any other medical condition that exists because of the obesity?

jc · September 2005

Ceritification form says "hypertension" and "hyperlipidemia" (????). Maybe that is why I am "hyper" over this myself!

LivindonSouth · September 2005

I think the certification form appropriately links the requested absences to a medical condition that warrants approval. Your thoughts about or definition of obesity have no bearing. Use the medical certification to approve or disapprove. HR is not in the business of analyzing medical definitions or conditions.

CJinNM · September 2005

Exactly - Unless you're a medical professional and have evaluated the employee's health condition and history, your opinion carries no weight (no pun intended!) And if their physician is recommending a weight management program, there is very likely a concern of future health complications in addition to the current diagnosis.

marc · September 2005

From another perspective, I think it important to send the message to this EE and staff in general, that wellness considerations are important to the company.

Promoting positive steps to improving health can pay big dividends.

System · September 2005

Be careful with this one. If the person is more than 50 (or maybe it's 100) pounds overweight, he/she may have ADA protection. Not that you have to bring it up and jump through a 'reasonable accommodations' hoop; just keep it in the back of your mind.

LivindonSouth · September 2005

And remember that 'obesity' is not typically defined in or by HR. That's a medical definition. 50 or 100 pounds or 400 or 235 pounds is not for us to muddle around in.

Whatever · September 2005

Obesity is determined by BMI. A BMI of 25-29.9 is overweight. A BMI of over 30 is obese. BMI is calculated as weight x height (inches) squared divided by 704.5.

lorrie · September 2005

>BMI is calculated as weight x height (inches) squared divided by 704.5.

I'm confused. I'm 5'2", and let's say 110 lbs. x;-)

110 x (62 squared) / 704.5
110 x 3844 / 704.5
422840 / 704.5 = 600.198

I'm apparently not doing something right.

Weight Management

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