Heavier Set Women Earn Less

The U.S. ABC news reported on Monday that overweight women earn a lighter paycheck than their skinner colleagues. ABC reported that Dr. John Cawley of Cornell University interviewed nearly 1,500 working women and found that those classified as overweight earn an average of 7 percent less than their co-workers. The average weight of all of the women in the study was 67 kilograms, and those classified as overweight weighed an average 29 kilograms more.

Dr. Cawley says there are a number of theories that may explain the results. ``Overweight women tend to miss work more often due to illness. Also, people who are overweight may take jobs with lower wages but great health benefits.``

Walter Lindstrom, attorney and founder of the Obesity Law and Advocacy Center, said, ``Obesity has clearly impacted women in employment. Promotions and economic opportunities are more limited for people of size. This is similar to race discrimination.``

The U.S. ABC news reported on Monday that overweight women earn a lighter paycheck than their skinner colleagues. ABC reported that Dr. John Cawley of Cornell University interviewed nearly 1,500 working women and found that those classified as overweight earn an average of 7 percent less than their co-workers. The average weight of all of the women in the study was 67 kilograms, and those classified as overweight weighed an average 29 kilograms more.

Dr. Cawley says there are a number of theories that may explain the results. ``Overweight women tend to miss work more often due to illness. Also, people who are overweight may take jobs with lower wages but great health benefits.``

Walter Lindstrom, attorney and founder of the Obesity Law and Advocacy Center, said, ``Obesity has clearly impacted women in employment. Promotions and economic opportunities are more limited for people of size. This is similar to race discrimination.``

credo@donga.com