Weight at Work Report 2025

Most employees don't feel judged at work because of their weight, but for some, it's a different story. In certain cases, those feelings may influence job decisions or the choice to use weight-loss medication.

To explore these experiences, Levity surveyed 1,000 full-time workers across industries. The findings highlight where weight stigma shows up, how it can affect careers, and what role employers could play going forward.

Key Takeaways

• 1 in 6 employees (16%) say they feel judged at work because of their weight.
• Over 1 in 10 employees (11%) say they've been passed over for a promotion because of their weight.
• 1 in 7 employees (14%) on weight-loss medication say how they feel or are treated at work because of their weight influenced their decision to take it.
• Over 1 in 4 employees (27%) say they would consider using weight-loss medication if their employer covered it, and 3% already do.
• 11% of employees who recently quit say weight or body image played a role in their decision.

How Weight Stigma Is Affecting Workers in 2025

• While most employees (84%) don't feel judged at work because of their weight, 1 in 6 say they do — including 18% of women and 14% of men.

• Over 1 in 5 Gen Z employees (21%) feel judged at work because of their weight, making them 40% more likely than millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers (15%) to say so.

Top 5 industries where workers report judgment based on weight:

1. Real estate 
2. Retail
3. Hospitality
4. Public service 
5. Tech

• 11% of employees say they've been passed over for a promotion due to their weight. Women are 44% more likely than men to say so (13% vs. 9%).

• Gen Z employees are 80% more likely than millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers to say their weight cost them a promotion (18% vs. 10%).

• 11% of people who recently quit a job did so because of their weight or body image. Nearly 1 in 5 Gen Z workers (17%) report the same, which makes them nearly twice as likely as older generations (9%) to say so.

Top Ways Employees Cope With Work Stress

Work stress takes many forms, and so do the ways employees manage it. The most common strategies include:

• Exercise: 52%
• Spending time outside: 45%
• Regulating sleep: 32%
• Meditation: 19%
• Eating more: 18%
• Drinking or substance use: 17%
• Chewing nails or other nervous habits: 16%
• Therapy: 12%
• Eating less: 10%

How Weight-Loss Meds Are Changing Workplace Dynamics

• Many employees (78%) say their company culture isn't appearance-focused; however, over 1 in 5 employees (22%) say it is somewhat or very.

• 1 in 7 employees who take weight-loss medication say that weight stigma at work influenced their choice to do so.

• 27% of employees, including 31% of women and 24% of men, would consider using weight-loss medication if covered by their employer.

• Over 1 in 4 baby boomers, Gen X, and millennial employees (28%) would consider employer-covered weight-loss medication, compared to just 23% of Gen Z employees.

Shaping a More Inclusive Workplace

The Weight at Work Report 2025 shows that while many employees feel accepted, weight stigma still affects a meaningful share of the workforce, especially younger employees and women. These experiences can shape how people feel at work, whether they pursue promotions or even stay in their jobs.

Employers have an opportunity to create more supportive environments by addressing appearance-based bias, offering benefits that reflect employees' needs, and fostering open, respectful conversations. For employees, speaking up and seeking support can be a powerful step, too. With awareness, empathy, and intentional action, workplaces can become places where everyone feels valued — no matter their size.

Methodology

Levity surveyed 1,000 full-time American employees about weight stigma, company culture, and the impact of weight-loss medications in the workplace. Respondents had an average age of 39. Among them, 44% were women, 55% were men, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 31% were baby boomers or Gen X, 56% were millennials, and 14% were Gen Z.

About Levity

Levity is dedicated to providing long-term weight management solutions using clinically proven GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, paired with personalized lifestyle support. Our team of US-based experts, including clinicians and dietitians, is committed to helping you reach your goals with confidence and care.

Fair Use Statement

Noncommercial use of these findings is allowed if a link back to the original source is included.