The Institute for Employment Studies have published a new report which highlights that stigmatisation and discrimination of those with obesity is still a pervasive issue prevalent in employment. Key findings in the report, ‘Obesity and Work: Challenging stigma and discrimination’ include: (1) obesity discrimination is prevalent in the recruitment process with issues such as whether obese employees have the ‘desirable characteristics’ or ‘fit’ for the organisation; and, (2) discriminatory practices were also discovered in progression and promotion opportunities, with common stereotypical beliefs about obese employees being ‘lazy’ and ‘lacking self-control.

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