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Obese 'suffer work prejudice'

28/12/2006

An individual's weight has a direct impact on how well he or she succeeds in the workplace, a consultancy has said.

The Aziz Corporation, an executive communications consultancy, has published the results of its survey of 300 managers and directors investigating the impact of personal appearance on success in the business world.

It reveals that 70 per cent of bosses believe that those who are overweight lack self-discipline and self-control, while 67 per cent said their overweight employees lacked energy and drive.

Professor Khalid Aziz, chairman of the Aziz Corporation, used the example of TV series The Apprentice to illustrate his argument that individuals subconsciously equate obesity with inferiority in the workplace.

In the last series, Sir Alan Sugar chose slim blonde Michelle Dewberry over the larger Ruth Badger to be the show's overall winner.

"While the likes of Alan Sugar like to metaphorically throw their weight around, actually carrying weight is considered more of a hindrance, than a help in business," Professor Aziz said.

"Contrary to the belief that brains not weight is important in business, and that only supermodels and celebrities need to concern themselves with diets and regular exercise to look good, this research reveals that appearance matters in business and that weight is one of the key factors in appearance."

Following the festive season of overeating, 44 per cent of corporate employees are planning on beginning a new diet to lose weight. That, the Aziz Corporation says, attests to the very real importance placed on appearance in the business world.

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