Employees can still be fired for being overweight in most areas in the U.S. But several cities and states have introduced or passed legislation to end that practice.
New York City is considering a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on height or weight in employment, housing and access to public accommodations. The Washington Post reported that the measure will be voted on in the coming weeks.
Shaun Abreu, a New York City Council member who introduced the bill, told The New York Times that after he gained 40 pounds, he noticed that people treated him differently, touching his stomach and commenting on his weight.
"Body discrimination denies people necessary, even lifesaving, medical treatment; contributes to financial inequality; and creates serious mental health challenges," Abreu said during a February rally on the steps of New York City Hall.
Other U.S. cities and states are addressing this increasingly important workplace issue:
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