Weight discrimination is widespread in Dutch workplaces, review finds
Employees with a higher body weight face disadvantages in hiring, pay, promotions, and workplace treatment, according to a review by Dutch knowledge institute Movisie.
The organization said weight-based discrimination is a widespread but overlooked issue in the Netherlands. Workers with a larger body size are more likely to be rejected for jobs, receive lower performance reviews, miss promotion opportunities, and experience bullying or exclusion.
Movisie said the Netherlands has paid limited attention to this form of discrimination. Researchers said this may be linked to the belief that weight is mainly a matter of personal responsibility.
Movisie researcher Hanneke Felten said there has been extensive international research into weight discrimination, but little research has been conducted in the Netherlands.
“Internationally, a lot of research has been done into this phenomenon, but not yet in the Netherlands,” Felten told AD. “The chance is of course high that this also plays a role in the Netherlands if it occurs in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.”
Because Dutch research is limited, Movisie analyzed 120 international scientific studies. The review found that people with higher weight face disadvantages throughout their working lives.
The studies showed that employers were less likely to invite candidates with higher weight to job interviews. They were also less likely to hire them.
Researchers found that employees with higher weight often receive lower workplace evaluations. They also earn less, have fewer chances of promotion and are more likely to receive negative performance reviews.
The researchers said weight discrimination is not limited to people with severe obesity. Women are particularly affected because of appearance-based expectations.
Felten referred to a German study that found women perceived as thin were more likely to earn higher salaries.
“We see this especially happening among women: in a German study, we see that women who are perceived as thin have a greater chance of receiving a higher salary,” Felten said. “If you are not slim enough, you are therefore disadvantaged.”
Movisie said the problem may be stronger in industries where appearance and representation are considered important. These include aviation, hospitality and business services.
“A good example of this is flight attendants,” Felten said.
Researchers said discrimination is often based on stereotypes about people with higher weight. Some people assume they are less capable or less productive.
“If we repeat what that image is, it is strengthened and we do not want that,” Felten said. “But in short, people assume that you function less well if you have a high weight.”
The effects go beyond hiring and career opportunities. Movisie found that employees with higher weight often experience bullying, exclusion and daily microaggressions.
These include comments about eating habits or lifestyle choices. Women experience this type of treatment more often than men, according to the research.
Workers also face practical barriers. Suitable work clothing may not be available, and office furniture is not always adjustable for their needs.
“The consequences are significant: people experience stress from it, their self-confidence decreases and it can even lead to absence due to burnout or to resigning,” researcher Nienke de Wit said.
The researchers said workplace education could help correct misconceptions about weight. They also said colleagues should challenge inappropriate comments and jokes.
De Wit said weight is influenced by many factors and cannot simply be explained by personal choices.
“We often say: then you should just eat less or take a walk more often,” De Wit said. “But it is not that simple. Various genetic and personal factors can play a role.”
Felten said colleagues should speak up when weight-related comments are made. She cited remarks such as, “Is it really wise for you to eat this?”
“These kinds of comments are something these people hear day after day,” Felten said. “It can eventually literally make people sick.”
Movisie said employees who believe they were denied a job or promotion because of their weight currently have limited options to challenge the decision.
Weight discrimination is not recognized as a separate form of discrimination under Dutch law. Legal protection may only apply when severe obesity has been diagnosed and qualifies as a disability. “But a few extra kilos are, of course, not immediately a disability,” Felten said.
