Obese Individuals Earn Less Than Normal Weight Counterparts

A new study conducted by researchers at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services has found that putting on excess weight can have a direct and negative effect on your income.

The researchers made use of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth study in 2004 and 2008 and found that obesity played a major role in different income groups and this was especially true among women.

The researchers found that obese men earned $4,772 less compared to their normal weight counterparts while obese females earned $8,666 less. The gap was narrowed in 2008 with obese women earning $5,826 or 14.6 percent less than normal weight women.

"This research broadens the growing body of evidence that shows that in addition to taxing health, obesity significantly affects personal finances. It also reinforces how prevalent stigma is when it comes to weight-related health issues", lead researcher Christine Ferguson said.

Source: Medindia