I'm curious why is everyone so judgemental toward this particular group of people?

Why is it that these people are considered gluttons?

Most have legitimate medical issues.

Edit: Upon reading some more it appears I am not "totally" correct in my assertion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obesity
Still I'd like to know why these people appear to be treated like pariahs.

If you eat a box of Krispy Kreme donuts in one go, you've got medical issues that's for sure.

Well you would certainly have taste issues, Tim Horton's donuts are much better.

That's like comparing a punch in the right eye to a punch in the left eye.

Could one apply for a grant to verify that?

Is this offer open to other people who struggle to fit in airline seats? Like the very tall? Or those with babies they are expected to carry on their laps? If not, why not I wonder...

Seems nutty to me. For the small number of people who have medical reasons for needing extra space, surely there are avenues open for airlines to provide assistance of whatever sort is required (if not perhaps this is where the human rights issue is). For everyone else the choice is there to lose weight or pay for two seats.

I don't think anyone should be allowed to be nasty to the obese, but this sort of thing surely normalises a condition that is a major problem for the public health systems (and others) of the world. I don't think that life being a bit difficult is a bad thing if it encourages those who need to lose weight to lose that weight. After all that's what governments are doing to smokers.

It is not a simple situation and a contentious issue. It comes into effect in January 2009 and covers "functionally disabled by obesity" and disabled if they need in flight attendants. It is only for flights within Canada, and only affects Air Canada and West Jet at present. It does not cover passengers who are merely uncomfortable or slightly challenged with their stature or abilities. Southwest Airlines uses the arm rest as a rule, pax who cannot lower the armrest are considered eligible.

This ruling is going to cost somewhere upwards of $10m and add around $1 a ticket to other travelers. More if it gets abused, which it likely will.

The average loading weight for an adult male in winter is calculated at 206lbs & 171lbs for female. 25 years ago this was 185 & 151.

That's interesting. I weigh about the old average, and I am 5'10", which is still above average height for a woman. I'm not particularly thin. So the new average reflects how overweight people have got in general I guess. Worrying really.

So, what's to stop the airlines making new guidelines as to 'normal'? If you're not Kate Moss/Calista Flockheart sized, then you're obese, and charged accordingly.

Yes, but why would they when they lose money when they charge the obese for one seat and they use two.

Unless I have missed your point.

Airlines don't make the 'normal' in North America and it is not guidelines, it is a directive from TC or the FAA. The government make the rules, we just follow them. Before every flight the crew have to calculate a weight and balance, making sure the a/c is not nose or tail heavy and the max take off & landing weights are not exceeded, all makes for a better flight and so the flight attendants are not having to push the carts uphill half way round the world. This includes baggage, freight, people, fuel, etc.

That is the point - however most likely other travelers will end up pay for it in their ticket price.

I think it's the suggestion that they are getting the extra seat for free that irks, I'm sure no-one would object to them paying for it.

I do like the reference to "legitimate medical issues" though. Without wanting to open a whole hornets' nest on why people are clinically obese, I fail to see how any medical issue can turn one clinically obese. If your metabolism is slow, or if you react massively to certain foods, live your life accordingly. It reminds me of Mr. Schwarzeneggar's quote, "Running a mile burns 120 calories, in eating a creme cake you consume 500 calories. You will find your mouth will always outdistance your legs."

I am no Slim Jim by any stretch of the imagination, but the reason I am the shape I am is because of the choices I make.

There are a few medical conditions that can affect the mechanism that tells you that you are full, and at least one condition that brings a insatiable appetite (Willi Prader comes to mind). There are thought to be some genetic reasons why some people seem to find it harder to manage their weight, and some issues to do with mental health and self esteem (comfort eating etc). Once you have got very overweight it can also be very difficult to lose it, and then again to keep it off. However the basic premiss remains. The only way to get fat and to stay fat is to eat too much and exercise too little.

But then...what happens if you are normal waist, normal weight etc etc but you have very large breasts and feel that having someone next to you is abit well too close and you feel squashed in
Can they then claim a free seat as it is medical condition, because its not your fault they are so big
also could we have extra luggage allowance as the bra's weigh more