One in seven UK adults believes their weight has stopped them from securing a job, with men (17%) more likely than women (13%) to report experiencing weight-related discrimination in hiring decisions.
New research highlights how weight stigma extends beyond the hiring process, affecting career progression, workplace wellbeing and personal lives. A survey by UK-based ZAVA Online Doctor of over 2,000 UK adults found that 10% had attempted to lose weight before applying for a job or seeking a promotion, while 14% believed their weight had directly impacted their employment prospects.
Weight-based bias appears particularly prevalent in major UK cities, with Nottingham (19%), Glasgow (18%) and London (17%) reporting the highest percentage of respondents who said their weight had hindered their career.
Weight Discrimination: A Widespread Issue
Weight stigma in the workplace is not a new phenomenon. Previous studies have shown that employees with obesity face assumptions about their work ethic, capabilities and professionalism, contributing to bias in hiring and promotion decisions. Research from the World Obesity Federation suggests that weight-based discrimination can be as prevalent as race or gender discrimination in some workplace settings.
ZAVA’s Dr Crystal Wyllie said people should be more mindful of their food choices and choose healthier options.
“Whether you’re an emotional eater, a stress snacker or a habitual grazer, cravings can be difficult to control. The Cravings Calculator provides personalised insights and practical strategies to help people manage their eating habits,” she said.
“Taking a moment to assess whether a craving is rooted in physical hunger or your emotions can empower you to make more intentional, thoughtful choices.”
The Impact on Work and Personal Life
The survey also found that 29% of respondents felt their weight had negatively affected their romantic relationships, while 28% admitted to avoiding social events due to concerns about their appearance. In some cases, the pressure to achieve a certain body size was so intense that 16% of adults had postponed or cancelled major life events, such as weddings or job interviews.
Workplace culture also plays a role in shaping dietary habits. One in six UK workers (16%) said their job caused them to develop irregular or unhealthy eating patterns. Despite the increasing focus on workplace wellbeing, more than half (52%) of workplaces do not provide healthy snack options, even though 59% of employees say they would benefit from access to nutritious snacks.
Weight Discrimination and the Need for Change
With 50% of UK adults believing that societal pressure to lose weight has intensified over the past decade, workplace policies and hiring practices need to adapt. Campaigners argue that weight bias should be treated as seriously as other forms of discrimination and call for more inclusive hiring policies.
In the meantime, resources such as workplace wellbeing programmes and digital tools like the Cravings Calculator aim to support individuals in managing their eating habits and addressing emotional eating triggers.
Weight-related stigma in hiring and workplace environments remains a significant issue in the UK, affecting career opportunities, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. Experts say addressing these biases requires a cultural shift in how workplaces view weight, diet and overall employee wellbeing.