Fatness and labor market outcomes in the UK – First evidence from the BHPS

Guido Heineck University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Summary Evidence for the relationship between individuals’ weight and labor market outcomes in the UK is updated using BHPS data for the first time. In addition to prior studies, the analyses do not rely on body mass index only as indicator for individuals’ fatness. Estimates of total body fat, fat free mass, percent body fat and adiposity are used to examine the association between fatness and labor market status and earnings. There however are only a few differing findings using either BMI based fatness measures or alternative fatness measures. Results for example indicate that fat males are more likely unemployed and long-term sick. Fat females on the other hand have a lower probability of being employed but are more likely self-employed. Results from earnings regressions further suggest that there is no obesity penalty but that there nevertheless is a concave relationship between fatness and earnings for both men and women.