Beauty requirements for women to be thin are deeply rooted in society. It also has financial consequences for the individual women. Studies show that overweight or obese women are paid less than their thinner counterparts because of our beauty standards. At the same time, there is little difference in pay between obese and non-obese men.
This wage penalty for women is significant and can cost them around 10% of their income. The relationship between income and weight is mainly driven by women, with rich women being much thinner than poor women. This suggests that being thin can help women become more financially successful. It may also indicate that it is easier to devote time to being thin if you are not juggling a low-paying job at the same time.
The stigma is increasing
The stigma against fat people and our beauty standards has increased even as the number of overweight individuals has increased. Attitudes towards heavy individuals have become more negative, in contrast to decreasing discrimination based on race and gender. Women are aware that failing to lose weight or being thin will have financial consequences. It creates tremendous pressure to strive to be thin. Women spend time, effort and money to lose weight, exercise and control their appearance. They see it as an investment with a return on the labor market.
This economic rationality in society's beauty requirements is not as harsh on men. While there are societal pressures and personal experiences that contribute to women's desire to be thin, economic realities play a significant role.
Body positivity does not change the financial pressure
The body positivity and wellness narrative is new. But the economic pressure for women's beauty demands is still dominant. The ideal of complete weight control is misguided. So many different factors beyond an individual's control affect their weight. Class, trauma, a hectic work life, being a single parent and more can cause obesity. Shame and stigma as motivators are not ethical and often lead to weight gain.
But at the same time shows research that we humans feel better with a normal BMI. A lot of muscle can give room for a higher BMI. Some excess weight can be both attractive and healthy if it is not too large and you exercise at the same time. Happiness may not be eating unlimited fast food, snacks, chocolate, alcohol, ice cream and not exercising. Perhaps the meaning of life is also not to never treat yourself to anything and to train around the clock. When equality in society was greater, more men and women were of normal weight. Groups and classes with more pressure on them from power often suffer more and gain more weight more often. If we give people the conditions to do the best they can and be good as they are, then maybe more people will get a weight they have chosen and feel comfortable with.
The cost of this pressure on women and girls is significant. It eats away at women's time, energy and mental well-being.
Source: https://www.economist.com/christmas-specials/2022/12/20/the-economics-of-thinness