Professionals swear that their weight loss has made them more successful in their careers, and studies prove they could be right.
A group of go-getters in various professions all noticed one thing that boosted their success: the Wall Street Journal found it.
They claim that their career prospects began to improve after undergoing a weight loss transformation.
After losing weight, employees discovered that co-workers, customers and bosses all treated them differently – and better.
“It's unfortunate, but people treat you differently,” said Tynan Phelan, who heads U.S. operations at White Ash Group.
Professionals like Melanie Borden (pictured) swear their weight loss has made them more successful in their careers, and studies prove they could be right
A group of go-getters in various professions all noticed one thing that boosted their success: weight loss
After losing weight, employees discovered that co-workers, customers and bosses all treated them differently and better
Phelan lost 70 pounds after he started exercising by walking his dog, jogging, indoor rowing and strength training.
He expected the boost in self-esteem that came with the transformation, but he was surprised to find himself becoming more approachable and popular at networking events he attends as a cannabis industry recruiter.
The recruiter said he used to be a “sad, sweaty guy in the corner,” but since he's gotten leaner, people approach him warmly and he's been able to bring in executive search contacts he might not have had before his transformation.
“The richer people are, the thinner they become,” explains financial expert Alice Fulwood
Phelan isn't the only one who started thriving after losing weight — in fact, a study was released by The economist who believed that it is economically rational for women to try as hard as possible to be thin.
“The richer people are, the thinner they become,” explains financial expert Alice Fulwood. “This relationship is driven almost entirely by women.”
One study found that for an obese woman of average height, losing 50 pounds could have the same impact on her wages as getting a master's degree.
Marketing agency director Melanie Borden discovered that her obesity was a reflection of the bad habits that were holding her back in her career.
Previously, she relied on caffeine and sugar to get through the long afternoons at work – and she spent many evenings eating at bars and staying out late.
Borden, 39, normalized 100-hour work weeks and almost completely quit sports to focus on her career.
But when she finally left her unhealthy habits behind, her career began to blossom.
Her wake-up call came when she ended up in the hospital due to a panic attack.
Since her trip to the ER, Borden began jogging and riding in her platoon. She cut out dairy and gluten and started logging off from work well before 2 a.m.
These healthy habits helped her lose 40 pounds.
Since her transformation, Borden has been busy signing meetings, growing accounts and expanding her team to four full-time employees and 20 contractors with her newly earned income, she told the Wall Street Journal.
Although her new-found fitness explains her mental acuity, she speculates that her thinner appearance could also have something to do with her sudden success.
“I can't prove that people's perception of my aesthetic and how it has changed has permeated what I do,” Borden said. “But I don't doubt it.”
Data from France showed that men and women with a lower BMI were, on average, wealthier than their heavier counterparts
Research has repeatedly shown that heavier people are paid less and promoted less, and are often stereotyped as lazy or undisciplined
While weight has a greater impact on women's professional prospects, it also affects men.
Facts from France showed that men and women with a lower BMI were on average wealthier than their heavier counterparts.
Jarden Brubaker started his weight loss mission when he turned 40 in 2022.
He jumped into a virtual coaching program designed for busy executives and set up some fitness equipment, including a treadmill under his standing desk.
Brubaker ultimately lost 62 pounds while simultaneously serving as Chief Operating Officer of a plastics manufacturer (MCP USA) and raising seven children.
He reports that he feels more energized at work after going down a few sizes and has even started a leadership coaching business to help other people make the same progress – and he thinks his weight loss proves he's capable many priorities to manage.
“People who have seen the transition see the discipline,” Brubaker said WJ. “They've seen you do something drastic, something they might like to do in their own lives. It does change people's view of you.'
Research has repeatedly shown that heavier people are paid less and promoted less, and are often stereotyped as lazy or undisciplined.
In a spring of 2023 questionnaire Of more than a thousand HR managers, 11 percent said an applicant's weight influenced whether or not he or she was hired.