Experts swear that their weight loss has made them more successful in their careers, and studies prove they might be right.
The Wall Street Journal found that a group of movers and shakers in various professions noticed one thing that increased their success.
They claim that their career prospects have improved after losing weight.
After losing the weight, the workers found that coworkers, customers and bosses all treated them differently—and better.
“It's unfortunate, but people treat you differently,” says Tynan Phelan, who leads White Ash Group's U.S. operations.
Professionals like Melanie Borden (pictured) swear their weight loss has made them more successful in their careers, and studies prove they might be right
A group of go-getters in various professions all noticed one thing that increased their success – weight loss
After losing the weight, employees found that coworkers, customers, and bosses all treated them differently—and better
Phelan lost 30 pounds after he began exercising through dog walking, jogging, indoor rowing and strength training.
He expected the transformation to increase his self-esteem, but was surprised to find that he became more approachable and popular at networking events he attends as a recruiter in the cannabis industry.
The recruiter said he used to be a “sad, sweaty guy in the corner” but since he's gotten thinner, people have approached him in a friendly manner and he's been able to make connections in the executive search , which he might not have had before his transformation.
“The richer people are, the thinner they tend to be,” explains financial expert Alice Fulwood
Phelan isn't the only one who felt better after losing weight – in fact, a study was published by The Economist that found that it makes economic sense for women to try to be thin as much as possible.
“The richer people are, the thinner they tend to be,” explains financial expert Alice Fulwood. “This relationship is almost entirely driven by women.”
A study found that losing 65 pounds for an average-sized obese woman could have the same impact on her salary as earning a master's degree.
Melanie Borden, head of the marketing agency, realized that her excess weight reflected the bad habits that were hindering her in her career.
She used to rely on caffeine and sugar to get through long afternoons at work — and she spent many nights eating dinner at bars and staying out late.
Borden, 39, normalized the 100-hour work week and gave up exercise almost entirely to focus on her career.
However, when she finally gave up her unhealthy habits, her career began to flourish.
Her wake-up call came when she ended up in the hospital for a panic attack.
Since her trip to the emergency room, Borden began jogging and riding her Peloton. She cut out dairy and gluten and began logging off from work well before 2 a.m.
These healthy habits helped her lose 40 pounds.
Since her transformation, Borden has done her best by signing meetings, opening more accounts and growing her team to four full-time employees and two dozen contractors with her newfound income, she told the Wall Street Journal.
While her newfound fitness is responsible for her mental sharpness, she suspects her slimmer appearance may also have something to do with her sudden success.
“I can’t prove that people’s perception of my aesthetic and how it changed has affected my work,” Borden said. “But I have no doubt.”
Data from France showed that men and women with lower BMIs were, on average, wealthier than their heavier counterparts
Studies have consistently shown that heavier people are paid and promoted less and are often viewed as lazy or undisciplined
While weight has a greater impact on women's career prospects, it also affects men.
Data from France showed that men and women with lower BMIs were, on average, wealthier than their heavier counterparts.
Jarden Brubaker began his weight loss mission when he turned 40 in 2022.
He invested in a virtual coaching program for busy executives and set up some exercise equipment—including a treadmill—under his standing desk.
Brubaker eventually lost 30 pounds while serving as chief operating officer of a plastics manufacturer (MCP USA) and raising seven children.
He reports that he brings more energy to work after losing a few sizes, and is even starting a leadership coaching business on the side to help other people make the same progress – and he believes his weight loss is his ability proves to manage many priorities.
“People who have watched the transition see the discipline,” Brubaker told WSJ. “They saw you do something drastic, something that maybe they would like to do in their own life. It changes the way people view you.”
Studies have consistently shown that heavier people are paid and promoted less and are often viewed as lazy or undisciplined.
In a spring 2023 survey of over 1,000 human resources executives, 11 percent said an applicant's weight impacts whether or not they are hired.