Are overweight women taken less seriously in the workplace?

[FishbowlFrieda]

Especially in less senior roles? I don't mean when somebody has built a very prestigious career and is at the top of their game.

Discovered this morning I've put on half a stone. After thinking 'ooh fuck, hope this won't affect my blood pressure', the next thing I started worrying about was if this will affect my job searching/ interviewing.

Am I worrying unduly?

In my opinion, no.

In my experience, no. I'm almost 19 stone, bmi of 45; I've got every job I have ever interviewed for.

Unfortunately, studies show that overweight people are discriminated against in interviews and other work situations. I think, however, that the studies were probably comparing people of significantly different weights - it's hard to imagine half a stone making a difference either way.

I’m overweight and I have always had great success with finding jobs when I have searched/interviewed.

I topped out at 15 stones. I currently weigh around 8st 12lb. The professors and doctors ignore what I tell them now in exactly the same manner as they did when I was, well.... obese

In my experience, yes.

Before I left the corporate world I was 8 stone heavier around 17 stone. I was treated wholly differently once I lost the 8 stone. I left shortly afterwards to start my own business but I was definitely given more professional attention by senior (white/male) management than when I was a 17 stoner.

Attractive (well presented, symmetrical faces, slim etc) people are treated better in most aspects of life.

I don't think 7lb will make a difference though..

Statistically yes. I think a lot is probably unconscious bias. Unfortunately I don’t have the stats, but I remember it was in a training I had at work about various kinds of unconscious bias.

Individually I’m sure people will have had both good and bad experiences. I’ve been promoted (not to great heights of management) despite being very overweight. But it’s internal so they knew me and I’d already proved I was capable

I top out at 15 stone currently about 13 stone.

Got pretty much every job ever applied for and paid well vs market but i do think i am treated differently (better) when slimmer but even when "slim" i look goooood but i am about a stone overweight

I don't think so in terms of interviews. I've been offered every interview I've had.
However in the work place I think there is a bias

@Hardbackwriter

Unfortunately, studies show that overweight people are discriminated against in interviews and other work situations. I think, however, that the studies were probably comparing people of significantly different weights - it's hard to imagine half a stone making a difference either way.

I remember reading something like this too, I think that's what made it pop into my head.

Thank you for pointing out that half a stone probably makes no real difference as far as an interviewer is concerned, that's very true. I think it's given me a new thing to be insecure about in the job hunting stakes!

Trying to find a job is a bit shit.

Yes have seen stats

Overweight people do less well that not overweight
Overweight women worse than overweight men
Black overweight women essentially stuffed

It kind of multiplies up

Unconscious bias

Once you are aware you can keep an eye on your own biases which is always fun..!

I suspect the unconcious bias thing is very much in play when interviewing unknowns. I am very overweight and have had mixed experiences at job interviews although as I've got older, I think I've worked out better how to sell myself better. I certainly picked up my last couple of jobs without a problem although I am now of an age where age is beginning to matter so I guess the next time I need to change, things might get interesting.

I'm overweight and haven't had issues in the past finding jobs or getting promoted. And I've worked in some 'shallow' industries where image was important.

I did have one interview for a magazine that was for a health-related industry and the editor obviously had a problem with my weight. She looked me up and down when I walked in, then made some snide remarks through the interview about how the team were all very fit and healthy. Then looked surprised when I told her I went to the gym. I never did hear from her. Not even a rejection letter. My friend from uni ended up working there and apparently people weren't allowed to bring in cakes on their birthday.

I will say though. It can affect your confidence. I'm job hunting at the moment and I am finding I'm avoiding certain roles and companies because I'm feeling too fat and old to fit in. So there is that aspect too.

Trying to find a job is a bit shit.

It is - I really hope you find one you're happy with as soon as possible. I totally understand letting the worry settle on something random, like your weight, but I honestly don't think it's something to be concerned about.

Civil service.. 26 stone until Bariatric surgery. Same grade for 13 years. Despite applications to progress.

Now 11 stone. and have progressed 2 grades in 2 years.

So for me yes.

However .. has that got more to do with my own confidence or the weight loss that caused the confidence?

Who knows !

7lbs won’t make a difference

I think it’s about attractiveness more than weight. The power women in organisations I’ve worked for have always been well groomed and stylish as well as doing a good job. Some people carry weight well and others don’t so much.

Yes, v sadly I think it makes a difference. Sexism, ageism and negative stereotypes about being overweight - triple whammy!

It was a factor in my decision to lose weight.

Secretsquirrel, that’s phenomenal weight loss, congratulations!

I have not found it making any difference for me and I am very fat. But when it comes to work I am very confident and I think that shows. Have gone up 3 levels in 5 years.

Fat and or ugly women are treated as lesser in almost all walks of life OP. God forbid you be both ugly and fat, you’d better be supremely talented at something.

But half a stone - no one will notice that but you.

I don’t think half a stone.

But I do think overweight people are discriminated against. Our culture is so negative towards fatness- you can just be fat it’s fat...and ugly, fat...and lazy, fat....and greedy. It’s sad but it’s true. My MIL is very overweight and has worked for the same company her whole life. Other people are constantly starting and getting promoted above her and she doesn’t know why- I’m sure her weight plays a part.

No I don't think so, certainly not by me

Not really. Depends on how overweight. A few stone, a few dress sizes NO. Very very big, possibly.