IQ Test for Weight-Loss Surgery

This article is kinda funny... but also sad. There is a sort of prevailing notion in society that obesity is a result of stupidity. After all... the "only" thing you have to do to lose weight is eat less and move a little more - right? So if you aren't smart enough to do that - you can't be smart enough to follow the directions and understand gastic bypass surgery... oh brother!

The article "Anger Erupts Over Insurance Company's IQ Test for Weight-Loss Surgery" (available in full here) "details a procedural change by the BlueCross/BlueShield of Tennessee that has added the requirement of an IQ test prior to approval of patients seeking coverage for weight loss surgery.

"This is blatant discrimination against those affected by obesity who are trying to access care," said James Zervios, director of communications for the coalition. "For people going through the process now it's yet another hurdle to jump to access treatment."

Susan Estrich, FOXNews' legal analyst and professor of law and political science at the University of Southern California thinks the insurance company should be ashamed of themselves.

"Imagine if we did this to people who smoked, ride motorcycles, or take other risks which you and I might consider foolish, and then get sick and need help," said Estrich. "Shall we test everyone to determine the extent to which they are 'responsible”' for their condition or deserving of treatment?"

"Morbid obesity is an illness, not a sign of reduced intelligence that has to be rebutted in order to qualify for treatment."

Gotta go with the fatties on this one... this is open discrimination. What if you do have a lower IQ? Does this mean you deserve to stay fat and risk the multitude of painful and restrictive symptons of obesity (that often culminate in early death)? Considering the level of intelligence of most of the people I know who are obese, I'm thinking this requirement just won't last (just think of all the obese lawyers having a field day with this one)!