A man who is overweight can perform better than a physically fit man, yet cannot get the same job?

Question

I was talking to my buddy the other day. He works with the FBI in hiring Field Agents. He told me a story of a man, who was overweight, but was muscular enough to pull his own body weight, run, etc. Medical tests showed that he was fine, passing with flying colors. Basically, he could perform better than the physically fit man.

Then there is a man, same age, who is very physically fit. Six pack abs, etc.

Both of these men applied for the job, and the thin man got the job, despite being less talented and educated than the other candidate. I understand that there are body resitrictions and weight restrictions, but both men passed them.

My question to you is: Who would you have hired?

Would you like the bottom line:

All around, the overweight man was a better person for the job.

Why wasn't he hired? That's what I'm saying - there is nothing more to it.

Answer 1

Six pack abs doesn't mean the job will get done.
I have been in Management for over 20 years and the choice here to me would have been obvious.
Besides, if we went to lunch on a business meeting, I would prefer my main man's lunch destination more.

Answer 2

I would much rather hire and be around a man with intelligence, rather than a man who spent weeks pumping iron for the mere purpose of being able to show it off whenever he could.

If a MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL, said that the overweight man was as healthy/healthier than the six-pack-abs-dude, then whoever highered the latter is an idiot or works for idiots.

Edit:
Oh, and Derrik?? I refer you to my favorite show on earth, House M.D. He's about as un-professional and un-caring as you can get...but he's supposed to be the best diagnostician. So the fact is, would you rather have the doctor who "holds your hand" while you die...or the doctor who doesn't give a crap but also saves you??

Answer 3

Did you take into account personality? When you have to work in close quarters (and in some situations trust people with your life) I'd rather have the personable guy that will go out of his way for you than the guy who's anti-social.

Maybe the skinny guy did better on the tests. Less talented how? Did he have a military background? Perhaps the skinny guy had an inside connection, or had a certain skill set they were looking for.

Answer 4

Being overweight means being prone to greater health risks such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke,and numerous other problems. Overweight people will place greater demands on health insurance causing rates for the company and other employees to rise. The employer is hiring the employee who will keep his benefits costs down

Answer 5

The federal agencies have very strict guide lines, they have their reasons and % wise have protected our country well.
I do not feel that, your issue is one to raised to the level of the EOC, which could catapolt to.

Answer 6

i really dont think you are getting the whole story straight.
there must have been some other reason for this.
the fbi just doesnt do thatt.
people exaggerate.

you really dont know, if the thin man, was more agile, and more skilled.

they didnt pick the thin one just because he was more thin.
theres more to it.