Obesity: a criterion for discrimination in employment?
A Swedish study called “Fat doesn’t pay” explains that obese young people will be paidup to 18% lessonce they enter the workforce.
This figure is calculated on the basis of demographic data for different countries. This result shows a trend towards discrimination against overweight as well as obesity.
Discrimination criterion, physical appearance
A Swedish study published in the journalDemography(1) shows a worrying figure, as well as a trend towards discrimination in the employment environment.
This finding results in a comparison of demographic data, with more specifically data on wages and BMI (Body Mass Index). Carried out in 2003 on 145,000 Swedes aged between 28 and 39 years, the data thus obtained were cross-referenced with American and British studies with equivalent data. The finding shows that obese adolescents will earn up to 18% less wages as adults.
The loss of salary dueto obesity is comparable to 3 fewer years of study in Sweden. This observation is also found in American and British studies. This study proves the existence of discrimination against obese people at work, however, individuals showing weight gain after adolescence would not be affected by this trend.
The France situation with respect to obesity in employment
A report on discrimination at work reveals that physical appearance remains an essential criterion for hiring and shows that obesity is an obstacle to career development.
A study conducted by the FIFG(2) on inequalities in the field of employment revealed at the beginning of 2014, discrimination linked to obese people increased by 63%. Conducted on 1001 employees, this studyconfirms the difficulties and inequalitiesencountered by obese individuals in the workplace.
Cognitive abilities questioned
This figure would be explained by lower skills, including cognitiveand non-cognitive, report the researchers.
Several tests were performed on memory, logic, attention and reasoning skills, as well as motivation, persistence, sociability and self-confidence. Obese people would score lower.
This result must be correlated with the incidence of obesity in adolescence and its impact onself-esteem, according to the researchers. Repeated discrimination would also lead to bullying with repercussions on the employment environment and sociability. This study aims to strengthen the preventive measures taken by governments with regard to obesity. The urgency of this situation is significant and the fight against obesity contributes to reducing socio-economic inequalities.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.