How Much does Being OVERWEIGHT really affect a person's ability to....???

Question

get a good job? - my friend says she gets turned down for jobs all the time because of her weight - she is like 100 lbs overweight. Is this true?

She just started working out last week - I'm going to go with her to the gym so she keeps it up. She is really motivated to do anything to improve her health and ability to get a good job. She does office type work - she thinks it has to do with health insurance.

Answer 1

Sadly and sickly enough, yes this is true. Employers do not openly discriminate against overweight people, but 20/20 did a study on this, and race, accents, weight, sexual orientation, etc. had a LOT to do with getting the job. It is so wrong, but it is a real fact.

Answer 2

Very true. I have been in both positions as an adult and it is unbelievable the way some people treat you. I can understand why employers for some positions would have concerns but even if it isn't an issue, many people are prejudiced against people who are overweight. It isn't as bad as it used to be, however. I can remember when I was in high school cheerleaders, drill team members and show choir members were weighed every week to make sure they didn't gain any weight over their "ideal". I have seen some really overweight people in those groups in the last few years so it obviously isn't as big a deal. I know that the airlines used to weigh their stewardesses every time they flew and they actually had to be a little underweight. There are still areas where I'm sure it still happens but not as much as years ago.

Your friend needs to make sure that she isn't using her weight as an excuse not to "dress for success". As we all know, most people use these two words as if they were compound words: fatslob. Make sure that it isn't true for her. Just because she is fat, doesn't mean she has to look like a slob. She has to accept that she cannot wear all the latest fashions as easily as some thinner people (and it's true for thin people too, they just get away with it easier). She also should take just a little more care to look her best. Remember, this isn't about what's fair. It's about using the reality the best you can to get a job.

Answer 3

Being overweight could definitely be affecting her ability to get a good job. She may be an excellent employee, but unfortunately employers have to consider the fact that she may have some health issues due to her weight. This is discriminatory, in one sense; but as most employers have to pay large amounts of money for insurance coverage for their employees, this has to be a consideration.

Insurance companies can also refuse to cover an newly hired employee who may have increased health risks due to "preexisting conditions." If your friend is as overweight as you think she is, chances are she has some accompanying health issues.

Employers have to take many things into consideration when they are interviewing, and it is not always the most fair of processes. If she is concerned about her weight, she should be getting some medical advice and help, in order for her to either lose some weight or become more healthy at her current weight. I wish her luck in her job search. Have a good day.

Answer 4

It is absolutely true. I have lost and kept off 134 over the past 4 years. It makes a difference in EVERYTHING. Jobs, being treated in public, at restaurants, everything in life. People treat you like crap if you are fat and they treast you nicer if you are an "average" weight. It is so unbelievable. Of course, they don't come right out and say "You are not right for this position because you are overweight." They just usually give you some other lame excuse.
Now, people hold the door open for me often. When I was fat, they would let it shut in my face. In a restaurant, I'd get stared at when I ate, especially at a buffet. Now, no one thinks twice when I eat. No one stares.
I even find myself eyeing overweight people and thinking, they'd feel so much better if they lost some weight. It makes me feel terrible that I'm even thinking that because I was in their shoes at one time. It's terrible how people discriminate over weight. So yes, it does affect a person's ability to get a job. Even a parking spot, a place in line, a better deal at the mechanic, etc. it affects lots of things. Sad... but true.

Answer 5

It is true. People are prejudiced against obese people.

Look at it this way --

An employer doesn't want to hire lots of problems when they hire a new employee. If someone is 100 pounds overweight, there are likely to be health problems. Worse yet, there are likely to be emotional and social problems as well.

Given the choice between two equally-qualified candidates, the employer will always hire the healthiest and happiest one.

Answer 6

I have heard of a study showing obese people can have problems getting jobs because they're seen as being lazy. Tell your friend to quit eating fast food and buy a treadmill. With some commitment she won't be 100 pounds overweight for too much longer.

Answer 7

A persons weight can effect everything in their life IF they let it effect their own self esteem. I have been overweight at times in my life but I have always had a good self esteem and always carried myself well and therefore it has never effected me negatively. A person needs to feel good in their own skin and this will show through in their actions and the way they portray themselves. I know many overweight people that hold good jobs and do very well for themselves. You have to find peace with yourself and be happy.

Answer 8

Very sad, but true. People are not always judges on their abilities in the work world, often they are judged on their appearance. Even if it is not a fitness club, companies want to present and image to their clients, so they want someone who is an eye appeal.

Answer 9

Sorry to say, but it can.Some people judge by looks and not ability.Ihave a couple of very intelligent friends,who have been held back in the past because of their size.Thankfully it's turned out ok for them now,it's ridiculous to judge on appearance.

Answer 10

Yes, it seems sort of Psychological take a look at a average size man and then look at a man whom is 115 pounds overweight. the fit one looks more educated, serious and good for the job. Now look at a female whom is fit and one whom is too skinny or too fat, same thing.