Pay gap linked with obesity

Published in: Obes Rev 2026
People studied: –

In a review of 17 studies from high-income countries, people with obesity earned about 5% less on average.

Checked against: PubMed 42630078
Published in: Obes Rev 2026
Last checked: 30 October 2026

Key takeaway

This rapid review included 17 studies from high-income countries on obesity, pay, jobs and discrimination at work, and pooled them where the data allowed. On average, people with obesity earned about 5% less than people without obesity, and they were more likely to report discrimination at work. The pay gap looked larger for women (about 9%) than for men (about 4%), but the difference between women and men was not statistically certain.

At a glance

Type of study: rapid (shortened) review of 17 observational studies, pooled where possible (meta-analysis)
Compared with: people without obesity
Main result: In a review, people with obesity earned about 5% less on average.
Strength of evidence: Long-term or observational studies

What this study does not show

These are associations from observational studies, not proof that weight itself caused the pay gap. The results varied a lot between studies, and the estimate for women alone was not statistically significant.

Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.