Opinion ID: 172415
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Obesity Evaluation

Text: Ms. Warner, whose weight ranged from 194 pounds and 213 pounds, also argues that the ALJ failed to make a proper assessment of her obesity at step four of the sequential evaluation process. Each claim of obesity is to be evaluated “based on the information in the case record.” Soc. Sec. R. 02-1p, Titles II and XVI: Evaluation of Obesity, 2000 WL 628049, at . The agency “will not make assumptions about the severity or functional effects of obesity combined with other impairments” because “[o]besity in combination with another impairment may or may not increase the severity or functional limitations of the other impairment.” Id. At step two, the ALJ determined that Ms. Warner’s obesity amounted to a severe impairment. And at step 4, he found that Ms. Warner’s “body mass index places her in the ‘obese’ range based on height and weight calculations” and concluded she “has significant restrictions in her abilities to perform work related activities, in part, as a result of obesity.” Aplt. App. at 17. The ALJ followed -6- this statement with a detailed discussion of Ms. Warner’s orthopedic, muscular, rheumatic, and joint issues; coronary artery disease; and pain. Id. at 17-18. Based on his analysis of the medical record and assessment of Ms. Warner’s credibility, the ALJ determined that Ms. Warner could “occasionally lift/carry 20 pounds; frequently lift/carry 10 pounds; walk/stand (with normal breaks) for a total of 6 hours in an 8 hour work day; and sit about 6 hours in an 8 hour work day.” Id. at 17. This determination is consistent with the medical consultant’s RFC assessment that Ms. Warner was capable of performing light or sedentary work. See Aplt. App. at 240-47; 20 C.F.R. § 404.1567(a)-(b) (defining sedentary and light work). In sum, the ALJ’s decision “did discuss possible ramifications of her obesity.” Howard v. Barnhart, 379 F.3d 945, 948 (10th Cir. 2004). The ALJ’s decision provides an adequate discussion of the effect of obesity on Ms. Warner’s other severe impairments. Accordingly, we will not disturb his conclusion that obesity did not interfere with Ms. Warner’s ability to perform her past relevant work as a social worker. The judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED. Entered for the Court Mary Beck Briscoe