Study says Obese Workers Paid Less Than Those of Average Size, According to a study, workers who are obese get paid less than workers who are not. The difference is noticeably greater among female workers.
The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth conducted the study that found that in 2004, the average annual income for obese female workers was $8,666 less than average workers. Obese male workers made $4,772 less than their average counter-parts.

Department of health policy professor Christine Ferguson said, "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."

The study also shows that race influences the differences in average income as well. White obese women earned less in 2004 and 2008, while white obese men only earned less in 2004. Hispanic obese men and women earned $8,394 and $6,618 less respectively than their thinner counter-parts. Obese black men and women actually earned more than thinner black workers.

Last year, George Washington University concluded that being obese costs men and women an average of $2,646 and $4,879, respectively. That includes indirect costs like lost productivity and direct expenses like medical care.