"Who's NOT Overweight?"

Psychgrrl

So, at a meeting this week, we were all chatting about random stuff and one person brought up her partner was coming onto her insurance because her partner's company's insurance was going to start charging more for smokers (private company). Another one said the same thing, but it was due to health stats like BMI, BP, etc. and they were given notice this would take effect January 1, 2018. Change now or pay more later, I guess.

The smoking thing didn't phase anyone, but the weight thing did. One of my office mates said, "That's not a fair thing to charge for, I mean, who's NOT overweight?" Myself and one other person raised our hands. Two out of 14 people. I don't perceive anyone being obese, but I really have no idea and don't really think about it. I was obese, lost 100+ pounds and have been in maintenance almost three years.

It was just an interesting observation for me--even our folks with "active" jobs are probably overweight. Only two our of 14 were a healthy weight.

I know not everyone works in a office, but with their office mates or stay-at-home-parent folks, is my office an anomaly? Or is it normal?

TavistockToad

I was sat on the bus a few months ago and realised there were more overweight people on there than normal weight...

kristen8000

I work in an office. We have the penalty for smoking on our health care. But there is no health stat penalty. I tend to think there should be because we have a ton of people who could afford to lose some weight. And I'm really tired of paying higher premiums so they can stay on their meds...*end of soap box

Now, I would say if I'm in a room with 50 of my team members, only 15 are overweight. I've worked at the company for 5 years and those same people have ALWAYS been overweight/obese.

Your co-workers comment that "who isn't overweight" saddens me. It shows me we are in a time that it's normal to be overweight. And that's sad.

quiksylver296

Definitely more overweight or obese people in my office than average weight. I even have 4 pounds before I'm normal BMI. In an office of about 40 people, I can think of 5 that are probably normal BMI.

Maxematics

Yep, being overweight is the norm. That's why when most people start losing weight, the comments usually turn from compliments to thinly-veiled insults and (sometimes) fake concern. People don't want to take responsibility for their weight and love to blame a multitude of factors. When someone around them achieves weight loss, it is almost like a threat to their own lifestyle.

Even on MFP, you'll see many people aim for a weight that's just past or slightly below the top of the range for their height on a BMI chart. That's absolutely fine but I notice anyone who is, or wants to be, at the lower half of that range often gets asked why they do or people make excuses how it's just not sustainable and/or they couldn't imagine being that weight because they haven't been since they were a teen, they have curves, they have too much muscle, etc. There is a level of delusion in the world when it comes to what an appropriate weight range should be for a majority of people.

Duck_Puddle

For insurance, higher premiums are for those with a validated BMI of 30 (obese) or above. The higher premium can be avoided by having an acceptable waist measurement or by making steps towards achieving a healthy weight (loss of some % or completing a coaching or something). I know that isn't exactly your question-but not everyone who is overweight (or classes themselves as overweight) would be charged a higher premium.

Ruatine

Since close to 70% of the US adult population is overweight by BMI standards, I'd say that it's actually quite normal to see more overweight people than normal weight people. My insurance doesn't ding people for being overweight or smoking. They do the opposite. They incentivize people who are normal weight and/or don't smoke through a wellness program.

Need2Exerc1se

Were the other 12 people overweight? I realize this may be hard to tell by looking if they are just a little overweight but most of the people that I know who are at a healthy weight think (or at least say) they are overweight.

Goober1142

I was watching All in the Family last night and realizing in 1971 Archie was really fat. Now, 46 years later he just looks a little chubby...

cwolfman13

Psychgrrl wrote: »

So, at a meeting this week, we were all chatting about random stuff and one person brought up her partner was coming onto her insurance because her partner's company's insurance was going to start charging more for smokers (private company). Another one said the same thing, but it was due to health stats like BMI, BP, etc. and they were given notice this would take effect January 1, 2018. Change now or pay more later, I guess.

The smoking thing didn't phase anyone, but the weight thing did. One of my office mates said, "That's not a fair thing to charge for, I mean, who's NOT overweight?" Myself and one other person raised our hands. Two out of 14 people. I don't perceive anyone being obese, but I really have no idea and don't really think about it. I was obese, lost 100+ pounds and have been in maintenance almost three years.

It was just an interesting observation for me--even our folks with "active" jobs are probably overweight. Only two our of 14 were a healthy weight.

I know not everyone works in a office, but with their office mates or stay-at-home-parent folks, is my office an anomaly? Or is it normal?

If they were going to raise my rates because of BMI, I'd be pissed. I'm about 8 Lbs overweight as per BMI, but I'm not fat...I'm not 6 pack lean or anything, but I don't have love handles or a belly or anything like that.

I'm also hypertensive despite healthy BF% and the fact that I exercise in some manner or another 6-7 days per week...it's a hereditary thing...it would suck to get overcharged for crappy genetics.

HeliumIsNoble

Need2Exerc1se wrote: »

Were the other 12 people overweight? I realize this may be hard to tell by looking if they are just a little overweight but most of the people that I know who are at a healthy weight think (or at least say) they are overweight.

Agreed.

In the situation as described in the OP, I would not have stuck my arm up in response to that.

JeromeBarry1

Overweight/obesity has become so common in the advanced industrial societies of the world that it is now perceived as normal. When I moved from one employer to another a couple of months ago, I was somewhat shocked at the high percentage of people in this office who are NOT overweight/obese. We have zero obese people, and only 2 overweight. The other 8 are at a healthy BMI if my eyeballs can be trusted.

It may well be that insurance rates are the strongest stick to beat this problem with.

CMNVA

I work in a building of about 4000 people so I can't really say, but in my small group of nine people, I would say that 4 of them are overweight and two are borderline. Just by looks.

timtam163

I'm overweight at 126 pounds, at my height. Nevermind that my health is stellar and I got muscle; sure, just charge me more for this arbitrary metric of health.

BMI is a terrible way to determine insurance premiums.

OliveGirl128

I know it's slightly off topic from your op, but our insurance already has this policy in place-but the bmi to be penalized is high, into the obese range. So those who are just in the overweight category are not penalized on weight alone. Other health markers are also assessed though, like bp/cholesterol etc and you can be penalized based on those.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

Wow, I didn't know they could do that under the ACA laws. This article says they can:

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/030116/why-higher-bmi-shouldnt-raise-insurance-rates.asp

I see no better way to piss off your employees than to sort them by BMI!

CattOfTheGarage

My life insurance company charges extra if your BMI is 'obese' or higher. No penalty for 'overweight'. I think it's fair, to be honest, for life insurance - which is basically gambling. You pays your money, you takes your chance.

Health insurance is rather different. Putting hurdles between people and healthcare because they're unhealthy is absurd.

piperdown44

Duck_Puddle wrote: »

For insurance, higher premiums are for those with a validated BMI of 30 (obese) or above. The higher premium can be avoided by having an acceptable waist measurement or by making steps towards achieving a healthy weight (loss of some % or completing a coaching or something). I know that isn't exactly your question-but not everyone who is overweight (or classes themselves as overweight) would be charged a higher premium.

We get a discount for being in a "healthier range" on BMI. If you're higher that can be off-set by the waist measurement and that's the way I get my discount. Still have a bit of love handles and some around the middle but I come in at 35 inches. BMI has me at overweight.

BOT....Only a few (maybe 35?) where I work would be considered a normal weight and we have about 300 people here. Most would be over weight and a much smaller fraction as obese.

nvmomketo

That makes sense. Isn't around two thirds of the States overweight and obese? Six out of seven being overweight is higher but it could be demographics.

The SAHMs I know tend to be normal to overweight. There are a few obese. My guess is that it is a slimmer group than average for our age. I am one of the larger ones at 158lbs and 5'8". Normal BMI.

laurabadams

Geography plays a role, too. I lived in Southern California for several years & always felt HUGE compared to other women around me. I moved back to Texas & not only felt like I fit right in, but looked a little smaller than many other women (my BMI when I moved here teetered between obese & overweight).

I'm still in Texas, but after losing 55# and now sitting squarely in the middle of my normal BMI range, I'm typically one of the smallest (weight-wise) women everywhere I go. I have a feeling I'd finally look about average if I went back to SoCal.

noirelb

I work in a government office in canada and id say half are overweight or obese. Definitely not 2 out of 14 being non overweight! Just in my group, 7 are overweight and 8 are not!

fjmartini

BMI is horseshit. Sorry to hear people have that *kitten* of insurance that they charge you a premium for measurement that doesn't take account for ANYTHING other than mass.

OliveGirl128

CattOfTheGarage wrote: »

My life insurance company charges extra if your BMI is 'obese' or higher. No penalty for 'overweight'. I think it's fair, to be honest, for life insurance - which is basically gambling. You pays your money, you takes your chance.

Health insurance is rather different. Putting hurdles between people and healthcare because they're unhealthy is absurd.

But from an insurance perspective, those who are obese are more likely to incur more health care costs, just like smokers.

OliveGirl128

nvmomketo wrote: »

That makes sense. Isn't around two thirds of the States overweight and obese? Six out of seven being overweight is higher but it could be demographics.

The SAHMs I know tend to be normal to overweight. There are a few obese. My guess is that it is a slimmer group than average for our age. I am one of the larger ones at 158lbs and 5'8". Normal BMI.

I'm a sahm as well and I literally do not know another sahm that's not overweight/very overweight. I'm definitely the odd one out in that sense, in my little circle.

fjmartini

OliveGirl128 wrote: »

CattOfTheGarage wrote: »

My life insurance company charges extra if your BMI is 'obese' or higher. No penalty for 'overweight'. I think it's fair, to be honest, for life insurance - which is basically gambling. You pays your money, you takes your chance.

Health insurance is rather different. Putting hurdles between people and healthcare because they're unhealthy is absurd.

But from an insurance perspective, those who are obese are more likely incur more health care costs, just like smokers.

I'm 6 ft and 200 lbs. my body fat is roughly 10%. My vitals are near perfect. I'm "overweight" and approaching "obese" based on that. Total horseshit.

Packerjohn

fjmartini wrote: »

BMI is horseshit. Sorry to hear people have that *kitten* of insurance that they charge you a premium for measurement that doesn't take account for ANYTHING other than mass.

It's right for around 85% of the population. @piperdown44 insurance had a good solution in that they would look at waist measurement to take into consideration anyone who was muscular.

jayemes

@jospen83 I have a friend who moved to the east coast from california - I always joke with her that's she's so thin she could take all my excess weight and still look great. She laughs that everyone in NY says that, but when she lived in Los Angeles she was one of the bigger women walking around. Her size 2/XS was almost chubby

fjmartini

So a man my height that weighs 175 lbs but eats total garbage, drinks nearly daily, has vitals worse than mine, would be considered in a healthy range and get a better premium. I just did my BMI and I'm at 27.5. That's 2.5 points away from obese.

PaulaWallaDingDong

fjmartini wrote: »

OliveGirl128 wrote: »

CattOfTheGarage wrote: »

My life insurance company charges extra if your BMI is 'obese' or higher. No penalty for 'overweight'. I think it's fair, to be honest, for life insurance - which is basically gambling. You pays your money, you takes your chance.

Health insurance is rather different. Putting hurdles between people and healthcare because they're unhealthy is absurd.

But from an insurance perspective, those who are obese are more likely incur more health care costs, just like smokers.

I'm 6 ft and 200 lbs. my body fat is roughly 10%. My vitals are near perfect. I'm "overweight" and approaching "obese" based on that. Total horseshit.

"It doesn't apply to me and my unusual circumstances specifically, therefore, horse*kitten*." Gotcha.

Sunna_W

I definitely see it in my office -- and when I go out to eat... I just didn't pay attention before - but now that I am trying to lose weight, I am more aware of it. I have good insurance through my job and when they start with all of the wellness stuff - I tell them that they aren't doctors and they need to respect my HIPPA!!! Anyway I am 5'6" 155 and according to my BMI I am over weight. SMH. But, I am trying...

Packerjohn

fjmartini wrote: »

So a man my height that weighs 175 lbs but eats total garbage, drinks nearly daily, has vitals worse than mine, would be considered in a healthy range and get a better premium. I just did my BMI and I'm at 27.5. That's 2.5 points away from obese.

Is your waist measurement less than 1/2 of your height? That is an alternative measurement that would take into consideration someone who has some level of muscle mass/less abdominal fat (which is an increased risk factor). IMO this should also be taken into consideration when determining any weight based insurance discount/penalty

https://qz.com/1002707/bmi-calculators-arent-accurate-but-our-body-fat-calculator-is/

At 6'2" and 205 my BMI is 26.3. However my waist-height ratio is 35 in waist / 74 in height = .473 so below .50.

The doctors that give the work physicals are real sticklers on BMI, but I've been lifting weights for years and they never had a problem with my weight.