Sizeism in the Workplace
We have a weight problem on our hands.
But it isn’t the one that will be fixed with a GLP-1 or the next quick-fix fad diet.
It’s the one where individuals are discriminated against - both consciously and unconsciously - based on the size of their bodies.
Sizeism, Weight Stigma and Anti-Fat Bias
Often used interchangeably, there are differences between Sizeism, Weight Stigma and Anti-Fat Bias.
Sizeism: A broader term which refers to discrimination based on various aspects of body size (height, weight, body shape/size, etc.).
Weight Stigma: More specific on the negative attitudes and beliefs related to an individuals’ body weight and size.
Anti-Fat Bias: Negative attitudes towards people’s weight, which are typically based on bias, prejudice and societal stereotypes. This is not Fatphobia, although that term is frequently used to describe people who are biased and prejudice towards people who exist in larger bodies. However, this is incorrect. The term “phobia” implies an irrational fear. If you have a fear of heights, you may not want to go to the top of a skyscraper, but you certainly don’t judge the skyscraper for existing.
Common Weight Biases
Before you read through some of the biases I’ve listed below, I want to highlight that the majority of these come back to the belief that someone’s shape or size is inherently up to them, and anything that’s deviating outside of the societal norm is seen as something wrong on their part. Which when you think about it, is so – for lack of a better word – ridiculous. We don’t put blame on someone for being tall or short, or having a shoe size that is considered smaller or larger. We know that has nothing to do with their health, so why do people assume that people’s body size or weight does and that it’s within their control? And even if it was, the idea that we would put judgement towards that is - once again - ridiculous.
So looking at a couple of common biases…
Assumptions about Competence: Believing that individuals who are overweight are less capable, intelligent, or competent than their peers.
Stereotypes about Work Ethic: Assuming that people who are overweight are lazy, lack discipline, or have poor work ethics.
Health Assumptions: Presuming that individuals who are overweight are unhealthy, regardless of their actual health status or lifestyle.
Judgments about Personal Responsibility: Believing that weight is solely a matter of personal choice and responsibility, ignoring factors such as genetics, environment, and socioeconomic status.
Appearance-Based Judgments: Prioritizing thinness as an ideal standard of beauty, leading to negative judgments about those who do not meet this standard.
Social Exclusion: Excluding or marginalizing individuals who are overweight from social or professional opportunities, such as networking
How Does This Impact Employees?
More than you might think.
More than 40% of US adults report experiencing weight-related stigma at some point in their lives.
72% of US employees who have experienced unfair treatment at work due to their weight say that it has made them feel like quitting their jobs.
15% of US workers say others at work have made false assumptions about them because of their weight at some point in their career.
11% of HR professionals say an applicant’s weight has played a role in decisions their organizations have made during job application processes.
One study showed that a one-unit increase in a woman’s BMI correlates with a 1.83% decrease in hourly wages.
So What Can We Do?
Check in on your own biases. Did any of the common biases I listed above ring true to thoughts you’ve had before - either about yourself or others?
In the workplace:
Train hiring managers to recognize weight-related biases during the selection process so that candidates can be fairly evaluated.
Remove weight-loss based wellness programs from company offerings.
Ensure that there is adequate seating and space to accommodate people of all body sizes.
Desk chairs: Are they comfortable for all bodies? Do they have moveable arm rests?
Bathroom stalls: Are they accessible for all body sizes?
Champion for change. Be a loud voice. Even if - and honestly, especially if - you exist in a smaller body.
