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Obesity & Looking for Work

Sep 10, 2011 | By Denise Wang
Obesity & Looking for Work
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

You’re brought up not to judge a book by its cover, but doing so is prevalent in society, especially when it comes to those that are overweight or obese. Today, alarming numbers of men, women, teens and children are overweight or obese. Prejudice by employers against overweight or obese people and looking for work makes finding a job for some difficult.

Challenges

Employers often hesitate to hire you if you’re obese because they worry about their health insurance costs leading employers to select employees with fewer health risks, according to a 2006 report published in "Hohonu," the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo/Hawaiʻi Community College journal of academic writing. Obesity increases the risk for obesity-related diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma and high blood pressure, which may itself lead to cardiac conditions and complications. Obese individuals are also at an increased risk for liver and kidney damage and disease as well as depression.

Discrimination

Despite an increasing overweight and obese population, society still holds to many stereotypes when it comes to obesity. Hiring managers and human resources personnel may resist hiring an obese person because of fears of reduced productivity, inactivity and less competent, reports "Hohonu." For some employers, obesity equates to weak wills, reduced work ethic, and less pride not only in one’s appearance, but translates into a perceived lack of pride in one’s work ethic.

Workplace Absenteeism

Studies performed at the University of Alberta reported that workplace absenteeism rises in direct relation to an employee’s weight. Moderately severe to morbid obesity coupled with medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes causes increased rate of missed workdays due to obesity-related illness and conditions.

Presentation

If you’re obese and looking for work, dress for success when filling out on-site applications and arriving for interviews. This advice goes for anyone looking for work, including the overweight and obese job hunter. First impressions matter, so dress well, following the company’s dress code for your interview. This doesn’t mean you have to wear designer clothing, but ensure that your clothes fit your body without appearing too small or too big. Pay attention to your personal appearance, hair, and makeup. Wear colors that compliment your hair and skin tone. Go easy on the perfume so you don’t overwhelm the interviewer.

References

Article reviewed by Jessica Lyons Last updated on: Sep 10, 2011

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