People with excess body weight and weight discrimination in the labour market

Abstract

This article addresses issues associated with the perception of obesity and being overweight in the labour market, and the issue of weight discrimination. Excess body weight has become a very serious social problem. The increase in rates of obesity and being overweight is a serious problem both for individuals and social policies in advanced societies. In some countries, over 50% of the population have excess body weight. The literature to date indicates that people struggling with being overweight and obesity are discriminated at work. Research shows that these individuals are believed to have lower leadership potential, a lower IQ and lower effectiveness compared to individuals of normal weight. For this reason, people with excess body weight are subjected to stigmatisation and discrimination, have limited chances of occupying managerial positions, and earn lower incomes. The article also shows whether and how overweight and obese people can defend their rights.

Keywords

• overweight
• obesity
• excess body weight
• stigmatisation
• discrimination
• stereotypes
• labour market