When we talk about gender equality in Europe, discussions often focus on wages, political representation, and reproductive rights. But one critical issue that often gets overlooked is body size discrimination – especially on how it disproportionately affects women.
Research indicates that weight stigma starts early, with 58% of European girls aged 10-17 reporting body dissatisfaction (WHO, 2020). European Youth Forum highlights that weight-based discrimination in education and employment significantly affects young women’s opportunities, economic equality, mental and physical health.
European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) notes that women face disproportionate societal pressure regarding body image, impacting self-confidence and participation in social, educational, and professional activities. Meanwhile, numerous studies agree and highlight that weight stigma is a highly gendered issue.
Body image and mental health
Women face significant mental health challenges due to body image concerns and weight stigma. Nearly half of adolescent girls report mental health difficulties at least once a week, often linked to dissatisfaction with their bodies. This dissatisfaction is increased by societal pressures and unattainable beauty standards, leading to a higher prevalence of eating disorders among young women.
Workplace
In the workplace, women who do not fit into narrow beauty standards are less likely to be hired, promoted, or paid fairly. In large US samples, fat women were 16 times more likely than men to perceive weight-based discrimination in the hiring process and subsequently would earn less if hired, regardless of their skills or experience. In fact, one study found that in the USA a woman with an “average” body weight could earn nearly €400,000 less over her career compared to a thinner woman. Meanwhile, fat men experience far less wage discrimination, and some even benefit from being seen as “strong” or “authoritative.”
Education
The discrimination starts early. Fat girls are more likely to be bullied in school, excluded from social activities, and even underestimated by teachers. Many struggle with access to higher education, not because of academic ability, but because of the stigma that affects their confidence and opportunities.
Relationships
Weight stigma extends to dating and relationships as well. For example, several papers show that in college, women with a BMI much higher than average were half as likely to be dating compared to women with a much lower-than-average BMI. For men, weight didn’t seem to affect their chances of dating. This discrimination is deeply rooted in patriarchal ideals that judge women primarily on their looks rather than their character or achievements.
Acknowledging these intersections between gender inequality and weight stigma is crucial for anyone working in either of the topics. Addressing those with one or the other perspective increases our reach, as well as possibilities to start looking for solutions from a very particular and tangible perspective.
How can we provide support to young women to navigate a world where there are constant expectations of their bodies that cause unnecessary pressure for them? Or how can we integrate women in larger bodies in society so that they are not marginalized and an experience the world fully? These are just some of the questions that we as youth workers might concern ourselves with.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
References
- Roehling, M. V., Roehling, P. V., & Pichler, S. (2007). The relationship between body weight and perceived weight-related employment discrimination: The role of sex and race. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 71(2), 300-318.
- ikkan, J. L., & Rothblum, E. D. (2012). Is fat a feminist issue? Exploring the gendered nature of weight bias. Sex Roles, 66, 575-592.
- Lee, C. (2011). Body mass index and body image dysfunction as predictors of women’s perceived romantic relationship quality.
This article was created within an Erasmus+ funded project Microlearning for Body Liberation, contract No. 2024-1-LV02-KA210-YOU-000247374. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or The Agency For International Programs For Youth in Latvia (JSPA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
