According to a poll in Statistic Brain, losing weight is the Number One New Year’s Resolution. If you’re looking for a job, you may want to take that one off your list. While it’s a fact that obesity is a serious health issue and puts people at a higher risk for a number of illnesses and diseases, a new study suggests that a few extra pounds may not be so bad… even beneficial to your health.
An article in the New York Times, “A Case For Those Extra 10 Pounds,” cited two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The studies showed that people that were overweight, according to their BMIs, are no more likely to die of cancer or cardiovascular disease than those of normal weight. That’s good news for those carrying a few extra pounds of “jiggle” weight—the bit of padding on the hips, thighs or bottom. This type of fat, the experts say, is less harmful than the deeper visceral “belly fat.” Mortality rates were actually better for those who were slightly overweight than those classified as underweight or obese.
We all know appearance, age and mobility isn’t supposed to factor into a hiring decision. But the reality is that it can and often does. While health experts aren’t suggesting people pack on a few extra pounds on purpose, there are some interesting benefits of those few extra pounds. Aside from the health benefits, those extra pounds could help in your job search.
- Looking Younger. The study suggested that a little extra fat is a natural face lift. It can fill in the sagging jowls and wrinkles that come with aging. Extreme weight loss or programs that limit types of food groups may cause rapid weight loss, but take a toll on your face and neck areas.
- Reduced stress. All that worry and stress over a few extra pounds can affect your attitude, confidence and come across in an interview. Stop letting the number on the scale determine your self-worth or character.
- Healthy body. The article cites an Australian study that found a few extra pounds could fortify people against illness and injury. Could a little extra padding help people bounce and not break as easily? Healthy employees stay on the job, get sick less often, and have a better attitude.
- Healthy body, healthy mind. While this may be the most unfair and incorrect conclusion, some hiring managers equate obesity or underweight with underlying emotional problems. Both conditions could cause health problems, absenteeism, loss of productivity and focus. A hiring manager may choose another equally qualified candidate who looks healthier. Those few extra pounds could tip the scales and the odds in your favor.
No one is suggesting that job seekers jeopardize their health and gain weight to get hired. The obsession with body image and losing weight to look like a Hollywood personality or satisfy some numbers in an “ideal weight” chart does a lot of damage to bodies, minds and spirits. Moderation is the key. The article points out that even gyms are instituting programs to help members come to terms with their bodies and appearance. Healthy body, healthy mind. Those are two assets for any job search.
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