Living with obesity discrimination in the workplace: agenda for change?

Over a quarter of adults in the UK are living with obesity (LwO) (BMI ≥30kg/m²). Weight discriminatory practices are encountered by these individuals at all stages of the employability lifecycle. There is currently no legal protection against obesity discrimination, as obesity is not a protected characteristic (PC). This qualitative synthesis explores the lived experience of obesity in the workplace to understand the impact of weight-related stigma. Qualitative studies were compiled through thematic synthesis to identify themes. Eleven studies and grey literature were included. Three overarching themes were identified: (1) Organisational stigma through the employment lifecycle; (2) Co-worker stigma and discrimination; (3) Personal reaction- compensatory behaviours and health. Stigmatizing attitudes are enacted and embedded across workplaces, in recruitment, operational, promotion and remuneration activities. Discriminatory practices were embedded in workplace culture. Participants reported being treated differently and reacted with compensatory behaviours to moderate the impact on their wellbeing. Workplace weight-related discrimination impacts the wellbeing of those LwO. Employers need to manage workplace discrimination, ensure unconscious and conscious bias is removed from recruitment, culture and remuneration practices and ensure equality of opportunity. The legal terrain offers little protection and should be reviewed. Establishing obesity as a PC would be instructive in catalysing organisational change.