My gut reaction was the same as yours. Does claiming obesity as a disability mean the person will also get disability benefits from the government? A disabled parking permit so they don't have to haul their huge ass any further than necessary to get into the store?

I don't think the individual is entirely to blame. OK, I do think they are to blame for making poor decisions and getting to where they are. And I really don't buy addiction as an excuse for anything, considering I have kicked three addictions in my life. I do, however, believe the governments and food manufacturers have some responsiblity for the failing health of people in Western countries.The governments for giving wrong information to the public for decades (the food pyramid, low-fat diets, etc.) and the food manufacturers for capitalizing on highly processed, addictive foods that cause obesity and illness. Also, some blame needs to be laid at the feet of the health establishments, for blatantly ignoring nutrition and exercise as the keys to optimum health.