In today’s society, weight discrimination remains a prevalent issue that affects individuals in various settings, including the workplace. In fact, more than two thirds of employees in the UK see it happen in their workplace, with 47% believing it to be a serious problem. The stigma of obesity is disproportionate considering its status as a disease that is often difficult to overcome with just diet and exercise alone.
So many factors can impact a person’s weight and weight health, these include societal factors like economic background, culture, and race, as well as physiological factors like hormones, metabolism, and medical conditions. Despite efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity, employees who are overweight or obese often face unfair treatment and bias due to their weight.
Rates of obesity are rising, and over 25% of all UK adults already fall under the category of obesity, so this is a country wide problem that is beginning to show cracks in the UK workforce and economy. A previous UK work tribunal saw obesity classed as a disability for the first time, meaning weight based discrimination aimed at those living with obesity must be regarded with the same severity as disability based discrimination.
Sally-Ann Turner, Bodyline’s CEO, said
“Here at Bodyline, we are exploring the topic of weight discrimination at work and provide guidance on how to navigate and address these challenges effectively, as well as ideas you can provide your workplace to help support employees struggling with obesity”.
What are the Signs of Weight Discrimination at Work?
In the UK, The Equality Act 2010 aims to protect employees from less favourable treatment within the workplace because they have a disability. Since obesity is now classed as a disability, and therefore protected within this act, employers must be aware and make suitable changes to the workplace environment to ensure no one is discriminated based on their weight.
Weight discrimination can manifest in different ways in the workplace. They may be subtle or obvious, but either way can be distressing for those impacted by discrimination like this.
Discrimination can be direct or indirect, involve harassment or victimisation, and can even happen when the person perceives you to have a disability or be obese, despite the fact you may not be.
Here are some of the most common signs of weight-based discrimination to watch out for in the workplace:
Limited job opportunities: Individuals may experience difficulties in securing certain positions or career advancements solely based on their weight.
Negative performance reviews: Despite performing well in their roles, individuals may receive disproportionately negative performance evaluations compared to their colleagues.
Derogatory comments: Verbal insults, fat-shaming jokes, or offensive comments directed at individuals based on their weight create a hostile and discriminatory work environment.
Limited career progression: Employees may face barriers in advancing their careers, such as being overlooked for promotions or not receiving the same opportunities for professional growth and development as their colleagues.
How Can Weight Discrimination Impact You?
Weight discrimination can have significant emotional, psychological, and professional consequences for individuals in the workplace, but in general it is very unlikely to push people to want to actually improve their weight health.
Impacts include:
Decreased self-esteem and confidence: Constant exposure to weight discrimination can erode an individual’s self-esteem and confidence, affecting their overall well-being and job performance.
Mental health challenges: Weight discrimination can contribute to the development or worsening of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and body image concerns.
Reduced job satisfaction and motivation: Feeling undervalued and discriminated against can lead to decreased job satisfaction and motivation, which may ultimately impact an individual’s productivity and commitment to their work.
Dealing with Weight Discrimination at Work
While weight discrimination can be challenging to confront, there are strategies you can employ to address and mitigate its impact:
Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with your rights in the workplace. Understand the laws and regulations surrounding discrimination, including weight-based discrimination, in your country or region.
Document incidents: Keep a record of any discriminatory incidents, including dates, times, individuals involved, and specific details of the incidents. This documentation can serve as evidence if you decide to pursue a formal complaint or legal action.
Seek support: Reach out to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members who can provide emotional support and guidance through the challenges of weight discrimination at work.
Address the issue directly: Consider addressing the issue directly with the individuals involved, calmly expressing your concerns and explaining how their actions or comments are hurtful and discriminatory. Sometimes, people may not be aware of the impact of their behaviour.
Utilize internal resources: If your workplace has an HR department, report the incidents to them and inquire about the company’s policies on discrimination. Provide them with the documented incidents and request appropriate action to be taken.
There are arguments that employers have a responsibility to improve the health of their employees, including their weight health. Obesity has a negative impact on the health of their employees, and as it is incredibly difficult to lose weight sustainably and effectively alone, medical weight loss programmes like those offered at Bodyline may be perfect options to tackle this country-wide problem.
What Can Your Employer Do to Help?
Employers have a responsibility to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees, including those living with disabilities and obesity, according to the Equality Act 2010.
Here are some actions employers can take to address weight discrimination:
Implement anti-discrimination policies: Develop and enforce comprehensive anti-discrimination policies that explicitly include weight as a protected characteristic.
Provide diversity and inclusion training: Offer training programs that educate employees about the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the negative impacts of weight discrimination.
Investigate complaints thoroughly: Take all complaints of weight discrimination seriously and conduct prompt and thorough investigations. Ensure appropriate disciplinary actions are taken when warranted.
Employers can also make use of occupational health organisations to help tackle the underlying problems that obesity could be causing itself. Obesity is seen as a disability, and many regard it to be a disease, however it is a problem that has been shown to have a light at the end of the tunnel thanks to game-changing obesity treatments emerging on the market.
Get in touch with Bodyline today to find out more about how we may be able to help your team with their weight related health problems with our holistic approach to weight loss.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
Bodyline Support
At Bodyline Clinic, we understand the challenges individuals face due to weight discrimination, and we are here to provide support throughout your weight loss journey. Our medically supervised weight loss programmes are designed to help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss and embrace a healthier lifestyle. We offer personalized guidance, nutritional counselling, and ongoing support to empower individuals to overcome the obstacles they may encounter, including weight discrimination in the workplace.
Remember, you are not alone in dealing with weight discrimination. By seeking support, advocating for yourself, and fostering change within your workplace, you can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
If you have experienced weight discrimination at work or would like to learn more about our medically supervised weight loss programs, contact Bodyline Clinic today or call 0800 995 6036 Together, we can navigate the challenges and empower you to achieve your weight loss goals while promoting a workplace environment free from discrimination.
