The rise of social media and societal pressures have contributed to the increased stigmatization of being overweight and weight loss, particularly among women. Conversations around obesity solutions tend to be black and white, often overlooking complex factors that can impact a woman’s ability to lose weight, such as hormonal imbalances, menopause and more. Fortunately, a positive shift regarding weight is emerging in health care, with an increased focus on optimizing health and wellness outcomes, rather than emphasizing and glorifying weight loss itself.
Health impacts of obesity on women
As of 2022, the World Health Organization reports that 44% of women are classified as overweight or obese. While there is no significant difference in the overall prevalence of obesity in males versus females, severe obesity in adults is 9.2% higher in women than men. Overweight and obesity are linked to various long-term health issues that disproportionately affect women, including fertility issues, hormonal imbalances, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and increased risk for developing heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers.
Biologically, women are predisposed to carry a higher percentage of body fat due to the influence of estrogen. This hormone, essential for female reproductive health, slows down the body’s ability to burn energy after eating, helping prepare a woman’s body for potential pregnancy. Pregnancy, postpartum and menopause can all cause significant changes to a woman’s body and metabolism throughout her life, making weight loss more challenging. Additionally, metabolic rate is, in part, impacted by a person’s muscle mass and body fat percentage, possibly making it more difficult for women to lose weight compared to men.
Persistent weight bias in the workplace
Unfortunately, weight bias persists, particularly in the workplace. A landmark study1,2 found that ‘an increase of 10% in a woman’s body mass decreased her income by 6%.’ Additionally, the National Institutes of Health released a report3 finding that the financial net worth of women with moderate to severe obesity aged 51 to 61 was 40% lower compared to their peers with ‘normal’ body weight. This same pattern did not hold true for men.
Beyond salary disparities, weight bias manifests in unequal treatment at work. A 2023 survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, nearly a third of U.S. employees reported experiencing weight-based discrimination in the form of unfair hiring practices, fewer promotions and stigmatization or stereotyping by coworkers and supervisors. Out of the employees who had experienced weight-based discrimination in the workplace, 72% considered leaving their job.
The conversations around GLP-1s for weight loss and weight management solutions continue to gain momentum. With about one in eight adults4 claiming they have taken a GLP-1 for weight loss, particularly young women5, it is crucial to address the way obesity is perceived and discussed in the workplace. Conversations and resources regarding GLP-1s should address the drugs’ different effects on men and women, including the varying side effects and weight loss outcomes.
Actional steps for employers
Employers can take several actionable steps to reduce the disparities faced by women with overweight or obesity, including:
Provide weight-bias training
Train employees on how to recognize and address weight-related biases during hiring and in the workplace. Offer anonymous ways for employees to report experiences with weight-based discrimination in the workplace. Use any feedback to help create better, more supportive policies.
Shift weight management programs to holistic health
If you currently offer a weight management program, shift the conversation to focus on holistic health instead of placing the focus on weight loss. Consider programs that encompass behavioral and lifestyle changes and cater to women’s health needs, focusing on certain conditions that affect women.
Implement zero-tolerance policies against weight-based discrimination
Currently, Michigan is the only state that has banned weight-based discrimination in the workplace. Clients living outside of Michigan can implement zero-tolerance policies against weight-based discrimination to cultivate a more welcoming working environment.
For more strategies on how to reduce weight-based discrimination in your workplace, please visit https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/weight-bias-in-the-workplace/ or reach out to the Employers Health clinical team at [email protected].
