No one wants to hear that their personal habits - be they eating or smoking or drinking alcohol - can affect other aspects of life besides health. The reality, however, is that no one can control the perceptions of others beyond any reasonable measure, which means that obesity might be able to keep you from getting a job.
Obesity, sometimes even more so than drinking or smoking, carries a negative stigma. It's associated with laziness, compulsory behavior and lack of willpower, all of which are negative characteristics in the workplace. When your obesity keeps you from getting a job, it's certainly a form of discrimination, but it's a reality we all have to face.
According to a scientific Cornell study, obesity has less of an impact on securing entry-level and mid-management jobs than executive-level positions. When you reach the upper echelons of corporate life, you enter a highly visible station and therefore your appearance matters more. Corporations want to put their best foot forward with their employees and are thus less likely to hire the obese. This stigma also extends to promotions, which are statistically more difficult to earn when you're overweight.
Believe it or not, there are now business coaches who focus their entire practice on helping people lose weight for occupational reasons. These people are willing to shape up their lives to protect their financial situation - if not their health - and losing weight often requires the assistance of a professional. When faced with the reality that obesity can keep you from getting a job, many professionals are willing to hold the salt and the butter.
If you're looking to lose weight in order to improve your chances of gainful employment, here are a few tips:
Be Professional
Business weight coach Brian Leffing encourages his clients to approach weight loss like a professional. Obesity can keep you from getting a job just like being late to work or a drop in productivity, so he believes that if you tackle weight loss like you would any other professional obstacle, you'll experience better results.
This might include keeping a weight loss journal or finding an accountability partner. Leffing encourages you to set goals for yourself just as you would with any other work-related endeavor.
Create a Schedule
Central to losing weight, according to Leffing, is establishing a routine to which you'll eventually grow accustomed. For example, some people attempt to lose weight by scheduling a walk during their afternoon lunch break. Obesity might keep you from getting a job, but your own will power will keep you from failing. Once a routine is established, it'll become second nature.
Become a Clothes Horse
One of the best ways to feel good about your weight loss progress is to dress in clothes that accentuate your new body. When you reach a weight loss milestone, purchase a new pair of pants or a flattering sweater that will force you to realize that you are reaching your goals.
Reference: associated content (LIFESTYLE)
Published By: Steve Thompson
