US, Europe grapple with providing accessibility to visitors with disabilities - CNA

The average American is more than 14kg heavier than in 1960, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Lack of accessible features can make flights a challenge as well, and Ms Osborn lamented the attitude of fellow flyers.

"People are not always friendly about sharing space. I think that’s especially true in an airline setting because people have paid so much for their tickets often that they’re very territorial about their space," she said.

"So, you are uncomfortable as a larger passenger, they are uncomfortable, but they are not uncomfortable letting you know that they are uncomfortable. And rather than blaming the airline or the bus, or the van or whatever piece of transport you are in, for not having enough space, they just blame you for having a larger body."

But new legislation is opening up a new chapter in New York’s history, making it illegal to discriminate based on a person’s weight.

The law applies to employment, housing, hospitals, restaurants and stores.

Advocates hope the legislation and more education will help dispel some of the prejudice.

Additional reporting by Kate Fisher

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