Posted on 12/19/2011 10:10:00 AM PST by Dysart
Obese Americans have smaller paychecks than those who aren't overweight, and this difference is especially strong among women, a new study finds.
The analysis of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth revealed that in 2004, overall average annual incomes were $8,666 less for obese women and $4,772 less for obese men compared with normal weight workers.
In 2008, obese women made an average of $5,826 (15 percent) less than normal-weight females, the George Washington University researchers said.
"This research broadens the growing body of evidence that shows that in addition to taxing health, obesity significantly affects personal finances," Christine Ferguson, a professor in the department of health policy, said in a university news release. "It also reinforces how prevalent stigma is when it comes to weight-related health issues."
She and her colleagues also found that race has a significant influence on weight-related differences in income.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Obesity linked to feeding kids in school. Wise up...
I’m waiting for the study that links obesity to food stamp usage.
Stigma??? Perhaps the association indicates fat people on average don't work as hard as their counterparts.
Or, perhaps it highlights that that’s the perception if not the reality.
People who earn higher paychecks work longer hours and have less time to polish off a whole bucket of KFC while watching Dancing with the Stars.
End the obesity epidemic!
Encourage smoking!
Also related to the crime in cities and the immorality.
You used to walk to school up to 8 miles away, now they won’t dare to have you walk 300 feet for fear a pedophile will snatch you.
But I'm not a female minority... huh?
They may have the cause and effect backwards. Many lower income people tend to buy the most pre-packaged, processed foods. Just look at their carts. Ewww. Stuff I wouldn’t even eat.
If obesity is linked to income; please explain Oprah.
I’m overweight, and under-employed - however, may I be so bold as to point out another cause/effect .... laziness. If I’m too lazy to exercise, too lazy to prepare healthy foods, and too lazy to burn off the excess calories I consume - guess what? I’m gonna be fat.
Being lazy also tends to explain the low paycheck. If I’m too lazy to apply myself to a job, chances are I won’t get a huge raise. If I’m lazy about my education, chances are I won’t get a high paying salaried position.
So, instead of looking elsewhere for something to blame; how about we look at making changes in ourselves. I’m applying for jobs that pay more, and working at my job to do the best I can - for which I not only have my peers, but also have my boss willing to give me professional recommendations. I’m hitting the treadmill in the morning, and counting the calories.
Life is hard, life is brutal; but it’s also a filter. Those of us who are good, honest, work hard and don’t prey upon the weaker, and believe in Christ - we will get our ultimate reward. Those who are lazy, prey upon others and dis-avow the teachings of Christ - they too will reap their reward.
Fat people produce less and are paid less, it’s pretty simple actually.It’s really difficult in a production atmosphere to have to carry the fat slobs that can’t or won’t carry themselves
Funny how my wife and I grew up poor during the 50s-60s, without all of the extras that todays “poor” have in abundance, and we were not overweight.
Part of it no doubt relates to the fact that they are somewhat less likely to be promoted than, say, an attractive, svelte colleague who—valid or not— gives the impression of being in better health.
>>> If obesity is linked to income; please explain Oprah.
Ding Ding Ding Ding, we have the thread winna.
No other comment can top this. I salute you, sir.
The study doesn’t tackle the reasons here, but see my #14 for one example I have observed. There are likely many reasons, some stereotypical, others not.
I wonder if this study controlled for health of participants. If obese people miss more days of work, in many jobs, that would affect their incomes. That could account for part of it. But, regardless, the finding does not surprise me.
I take it that’s the new dear leader. Strapping lad.
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