Weight Bias In the Workplace: The Accepted Discrimination

Weight bias refers to negative stereotypes toward individuals affected by excess weight or obesity. This often leads to prejudice and discrimination. Weight bias is evident in healthcare, education, the media, personal relationships, and the workplace. Weight discrimination in the U.S. is more common than racial, gender, or age discrimination in an employment setting. Weight is not a protected category, and it is often viewed as something people can control. Weight bias can result in unfair hiring practices, lower wages (especially for women), harsher disciplines from employers, wrongful job termination, and negative stereotypes. The goal of this session is to increase knowledge and awareness of weight bias in society and the workplace, its negative effects on those affected by this discrimination, and how we can reduce these negative views.