Subtle Increases in BMI within a Healthy Weight Range Still Reduce Womens Employment Chances in the Service Sector

Dennis Nickson, Andrew R Timming, Daniel Re and David I Perrett

PLOS ONE, 2016, vol. 11, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: Using mixed design analysis of variance (ANOVA), this paper investigates the effects of a subtle simulated increase in adiposity on women’s employment chances in the service sector. Employing a unique simulation of altering individuals’ BMIs and the literature on “aesthetic labour”, the study suggests that, especially for women, being heavier, but still within a healthy BMI, deleteriously impacts on hireability ratings. The paper explores the gendered dimension of this prejudice by asking whether female employees at the upper end of a healthy BMI range are likely to be viewed more negatively than their overtly overweight male counterparts. The paper concludes by considering the implications of these findings.

Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0159659

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159659

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