Swiss court recognises obesity as a disability under certain conditions

People suffering from obesity are now entitled to an invalidity pension in certain cases. The fact that the condition can be treated no longer automatically excludes the granting of benefits, ruled the Federal Court, which is adapting its case law. Until now, obesity was not in principle considered to be a disability that entitles a person access to an invalidity pension. It was only covered by invalidity insurance if it led to physical or psychological disorders or if such disorders were the cause, the Court pointed out in a ruling published on Thursday. + Get the most important news directly in your inbox This case law was based on the idea that returning to a normal weight was a matter of will. It was inspired by the case law developed for addictions. However, practice with regard to addictions has changed: the invalidity insurance office must now assess the extent to which the addiction affects the insured person's ability to work. Complex illness According to the Federal Court ...