Fat chance: It's not easy  for obese workers

Given all this doom and gloom, what should the overweight do?

If there’s any truth to strength in numbers, the growing number of bigger Americans might have to make their voices heard by politicians.

Today the only state that bans discrimination based on weight is Michigan. That law, on the books in that state since 1977, has seldom been used but appears to be getting dusted off lately by overweight workers that believe they were given the shaft because of their weight.

For anyone who lives outside Michigan, the only recourse is going to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and seeking help under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Don’t expect a lot. Simply being overweight generally does not qualify as a disability.

Heavy workers also should ignore the bigots in their midst, advises Jeanne Henry, a government supervisor in Austin, Texas, who weights 348 pounds and faced her share of discrimination when she was an underling.

Fact file How to complain If your obesity is a result of another illness, such as a thyroid problem or diabetes, you may have some rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, if an employer regards your obesity as a disability and fires you or demotes you, then you may have a claim. Even though it’s a long shot, Chris Kuczynski of the EEOC suggests workers should contact the commission by clicking here and see if their case has merit. Also, while the EEOC has yet to take a stand on the many wellness programs popping up in companies across the country, if your employer’s program starts crossing the line by requiring medical exams or unrealistic physical activity, it may run afoul of the ADA.

At a past job when she was working for a hospital an assistant director told her she should not apply for a management program because “no one would consider you because you are a fat woman.” Henry decided not to listen to the man and got into the program anyway.

And when colleagues make negative comments, she suggests not responding right away and taking a day or two to think. Then sit the person down and gently explain to them that they hurt your feelings and why. If it continues, document the verbal abuse and take it to a supervisor or human resource manager.

Another issue to keep in mind, and I’m not blaming the victim here, is that maybe your own low self-esteem may be hurting your chances when applying for a new job or a promotion.

In a study by John Cawley, an associate professor in the Department of Policy Analysis and Management at Cornell University, he found that obese white women had worse labor market outcomes than any other overweight workers.

“The obesity penalty for wages was much greater for white than black females,” he notes. He pointed out that research has shown that obesity tended to lower the self-esteem of white women much more than black women. “That could end up affecting your work potentially,” he speculates.

Indeed, Ann, a white mortgage worker from New York who declined to use her full name, says that after more than a decade with her firm she has been passed over for promotions constantly, and her weight might not be the only issue.

“My real problem is not accepting myself," she said. "Maybe that’s what they see ... a very insecure person.”

People who are overweight often share the bias of weight against them, says Martha Beck, a life coach and author of "The Four Day Win: End Your Diet War and Achieve Thinner Peace." So that means getting yourself to a place where you accept that you’re OK whether you lose the weight or not.

“Your expectations of yourself actually have power over other people around you. If you believe that someone can be ambivalent about you they will be, but if you have absolutely no doubt in yourself others can’t resist it.”

You don’t have to really believe it, she explains, but give yourself a mantra: “I’m fabulous. I’m great. I’m the best for this job.” She pointed to Oprah Winfrey, who has struggled with weight all her life but rarely shows any lack of confidence to her audience.

“Heavy people go into an interview thinking, ‘Please forgive me for being fat.’ They believe society’s condemnation of them. But during an interview there should be no apologies, baby!” she stresses. “You are there because you are damn good at this job. Don’t let weight into your consciousness during the interview or at work.”

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