to ask if you think being fat is a disadvantage in job interviews?

[AteRiri]

Especially in corporate world? Just curious.

Also, before anyone suspects fat shaming, I'm a 16 myself. So really curious as I am doing the rounds of graduate job interviews currently.

Yes. Unfortunately, you're always being judged. You can disguise being a cunt, but you can't disguise being fat. I am fat.
The world was at my feet when I was slim. It's not now.

Not in investment banking or really high-end management consultancies (think big 3). You can't be slobby but being overweight definitely won't scupper your chances.

Not at a size 16, no.

And in other breaking news: good-looking people are favoured over ugly ones. Completely unfair, but that's just the way it is.

I'm so shocked at the number of people saying yes!

I don't interview people so never have to be consider this. I'm obese myself and it's never occurred to me it would make any difference. I'm a teacher (university).

Adults who experienced adverse childhood experiences (i.e abuse) are likely to gain weight. It is not just about laziness and lack of self discipline

Sarasue - sounds rather like the views of a certain well known person

They can't afford to be too picky, considering over 30% of people are considered "obese" nowadays.

I think a lot of people would fall victim to subconscious bias. Same as gender, race, age, etc.

It's shit and unfair, but it has been proven to happen time and again

Yes and Sarasue is right, it's not science of course for the reasons PP have mentioned - illness etc - however being obese (not a little overweight) doesn't demonstrate attributes you'd want in an employee

I'm sure there is prejudice against people who are fat. There's prejudice against lots of people based on appearance. Probably a lot of unconscious bias as well.

Yes and not just overweight. I think in the corporate world being 'presentable' will always help. Especially for women. I don't approve of it but I think it is a fact unfortunately. We have a long way to go before women are no longer viewed as decorative, even if other skills are also taken into consideration. A woman's value is still judged to a large degree on her looks.

@peppatax- I'm obese and a size 14.

Sarasue1967 Shows a lack of self discipline and laziness

So do you make the assumption that because a person isnt controlling their weight in a way that you think is right that this will make them unable to carry out the job?

I could see there might be problems if you were worried that the person wasnt physically capable of carrying out a job but if the job were sedentary would being fat be a problem really?

There's also bias before interviews.
Age bias. School / Uni bias. Name bias.

Sarasue your attitude stinks. However, you only say what obviously a whole lot of people think, as mentioned upthread.

I'm a size 16. I go to the gym every day. I walk my dogs. Pilates x 2 a week. I struggle with all sorts of food intolerances and a childhood full of a weight obsessed mother. I'm 5'7" but in the obese category.

Good job I have my own business

In our company we are crying out for people who can get the job done. We will not and do not give a flying monkeys what you look like if you work your tits (or man tits) off and be a nice interesting human.

I also think overweight women are at a greater disadvantage than overweight men.

I'm not saying it's right. But it happens.

runloganrun101 Clothes size means nothing though. In terms of being presentable, you can be a size 14 and very presentable but also be a size 10 and scruffy. This would also be to one's detriment at an interview.

A size 16? No

A size 26? Yes

Sarasue - I have 2 senior colleagues in parallel roles.
Colleague A goes to the gym every day at 60+ years old, eats healthily and is slim, fit and toned looking.
Colleague B never exercises and is approx. size 24 in mid 40s.

Colleague A is a clockwatcher, does the minimum and is not a team player. They talk the talk but don't lead or pitch in where it matters. They are unpredictable and unapproachable.
Colleague B gives everything to the job. They do their own job and a good proportion of Colleague As. They are on track for promotion, completely trusted and relied on by all other colleagues and do an efficient and excellent job.

You can't generalise

being obese (not a little overweight) doesn't demonstrate attributes you'd want in an employee

Surely that depends on the job? So far as I am aware my being short and tubby doesnt impact on my professional skills!

manicinsomniac that's only evident from working with them though, not from interview. OP asked if it would be a disadvantage at interview. (Which would be a yes but that doesn't mean it's right).

@peppatax - I wear size 14s (at most)from H&M so it's a proper 14. Vintage clothing I wear a 12. I am obese for my height bmi 30.

I suspect fat people are the most discriminated against of all characteristics. One wouldn't dream of saying people with anorexia were attention seeking and just needed to eat more. Obesity has many similar components to anorexia but is judged far more harshly.
There is no evidence that moderately fat people have more sick absence. Runners are more likely to need knee replacements, after all.

Yes, absolutely. I lost 5 stone a few years ago (very quickly, I stopped eating after a traumatic experience) and EVERYONE was nicer to me and EVERYTHING was easier for me. I'd been fat all my life and couldn't believe I hadn't noticed it before. The difference was astounding.