1. Working With Persons Of All Sizes
Exam Emphasis
Stereotypes (1)
How does fat prejudice affect people (1)
What laws protect obese workers (1)
Beauty myth (1)
Who are the overweight (1)
What rights do activists want (2)
What rights do employers want (1)
Leadership opportunities (1)

2. Stereotypes & Realities
People get overweight when they overate and don’t exercise
People are overweight because they lack willpower
Obese people just need the right diet
Dieting may be hazardous to your health
Being obese poses health risks, being thin does not
Underweight is associated with greater risk of death

3. Stereotypes & Realities
People who diet are healthier & live longer
Weight is not always an indicator of longevity
Obese people are less productive
About the same as other workers but they may need some accommodation
Poor persons are more likely to be obese
More likely than they are poor because they make less money

4. How Does Fat Prejudice Affect People?
The message: you’re inferior
Implies a lack of character
The assumption: you are your body
Dieting is based on idea that the personality becomes the body
Devaluation and rejection
Cultural obsession with thinness – Barbie role model
Women: hardest hit

5. The Beauty Myth
People must fit into an narrow range of acceptable appearance
Cultural conflicts
Weight loss industry
We love fast food but hate fat people
New self-affirming patterns
Size acceptance movement - accepting who you are gives you confidence to fend off discrimination

6. Who Are The Overweight and Obese?
64% or 1/3 of American adults
3% are considered morbidly obese
Overweight = BMI 25 to 29.9
Obese = BMI 30 or more
Obesity is increasing significantly
% of population was obese
% of population was obese

7. What Do Activists Want?
People have a right to be valued for their potential and actual performance.
People who are overweight have a more difficult time finding and keeping jobs and they earn less
Men lose $1,000 per pound in annual salary
Overweight women are 2-3 times more likely to be in poverty category than in $50,000 category
12% pay gap between the homely & the attractive

8. What Rights Do Employers Want to Retain?
Employee size & appearance may affect the success of certain businesses
Some employers say that customers won’t do business with obese people and co-workers won’t respect them or work well with them
Circular reasoning
This viewpoint is unethical
Such actions signal employers accept prejudice and accept it
No studies show obese persons cost more due to health reasons

9. What Laws Protect Obese Workers?
Legislation
Similar to civil rights discrimination laws re: race, gender, etc. Rare.
Court ruling
Obesity = disability, requires reasonable accommodation. Current basis for protection from discrimination.
Administrative policy
Government agencies can set polices. Discrimination claims under ADA act must be filed with the EEOC first.

10. Leadership Opportunities
Look below the surface
Set policies on obesity harassment and discrimination
Make reasonable accommodations
Enlighten the corporate culture
Consider new marketing opportunities