Melissa Pruett
Group Case Project
Hosmer 5-5
Expanding Waistlines and Shrinking
Profits Moral Standards – Melissa
Pruett
The increasing number of employees who are considered overweight or obese in the
United States work environment is becoming one of the biggest concerns due this typically
results in increased insurance costs, missed time from work, and employee turnover. Obesity is
measured by calculating one’s BMI; anything over 25 is overweight, and over 30 is deemed
obese (Hosmer, 2011).
The implementation of wellness programs and financial contributions to gym
memberships are some ways employers have attempted to encourage employees on a healthier
lifestyle trend. Hosmer (2011) states “some employers have even tried small financial
incentives” (p. 139) for employees who take advantage of the available weight loss incentives;
however, these have not been successful.
Puhl and Brownell state that “there is evidence of a significant wage penalty for obese
employees” (para. 16). This could range from not earning the same wage for a lateral non-obese
coworker; also the obese employees not being promoted fairly as an equally qualified applicant.
Puhl and Heuer address the subject “at a time when the topic of obesity is prevalent in the media
and a priority in the nation’s public health agency, we must recognize that weight discrimination
is both a social injustice and a public health issue” (discussion, para. 8). Discrimination due to
being overweight or obese is currently not illegal from an employer standpoint; however, there is
reasonable evidence there could ultimately be a problem leading up to this in the employment
arena.
References:
Hosmer, L. (2011). The Ethics of Management: A Multidisciplinary Approach (Seventh Edition
ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Puhl, R. & Brownell, K. (2001). Bias, discrimination, and obesity. Obesity Research, 9:788-805.
Doi:10.1038/oby.2001.108. Retrieved from
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2001.108/full
Puhl, R. M. and Heuer, C. A. (2011), Public opinion about laws to prohibit weight discrimination
in the United States. Obesity, 19: 74–82. doi:10.1038/oby.2010.126. Retrieved from
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2010.126/full
