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A lot of people are furious with a study that shows obese women earn less money than their peers who are normal weight. I know first hand how a lighter body can carry a heavier wallet stuffed with a bigger paycheck.
According to data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, in 2008 women who were obese made an average of $5,826 or 15 percent less than normal-weight females. Critics claim the study shows how obese women carry a stigma and are punished for not upholding the standard for beauty.
I'm not a sociologist so I don't know why black men who are obese earn more than normal-weight black men or why Hispanic men and women who are obese earn less than their normal-weight counterparts. I do know that my paycheck increased dramatically after I lost 20 pounds. And I don't think it had anything to do with my appearance. In my opinion, it's not an issue of weight discrimination.
I'm more productive
Since I lost 20 pounds, I have been more productive. I have more energy. My concentration has improved. I have the energy to take on assignments beyond my 40-hour a week job. I earn about 30 percent more now than I did when I was 20 pounds heavier.
I make better financial decisions
My overall financial situation has improved not just because of a higher income. I also make better investment decisions. Before I'd nap when I should have been plotting and researching my next stock pick.
I'm not wasting money on junk
My finances have also improved because I stopped buying soda and other junk foods. I estimate I save $100 a week by cutting out fast foods, chips and gourmet coffees. Cutting out junk also helped me effortlessly lose weight.
Although I can see why some overweight women would be upset with the statistics, I think it pays to lose weight not only for one's career but also for one's health. Overweight people, according to statistics, tend to have more debt. Losing weight after shedding all my consumer debt gave me a new enthusiasm for my career and my future.
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