Arya M Sharma, MD, is an expert advisor with Playing the blame-and-shame game is not a constructive solution to the obesity problem.
by Arya M Sharma
Recently, a Samoan airline announced that they would begin charging passengers by the pound, touching off media and Internet suggestions that people with obesity should pay more for airline travel. Norwegian economist Bharat Bhatta fueled debate by suggesting that heavier passengers pay a surcharge while lighter passengers are offered discounts.
The logical argument of course is that larger individuals take up more space and use up more jet fuel. This line of reasoning is sure to find ample supporters, as people who "choose" to be fat must clearly bear the consequences of their gluttony and sloth.
But why stop at airline travel? Here are some additional ideas for where businesses could charge larger individuals more:
