by Lisa Schaffer, Executive Director
It’s time to talk about the cost of inequality.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate progress, push for change, and amplify women’s voices. But there’s a critical conversation missing in the fight for workplace equity—one that affects millions of women across Canada.
Women living with obesity are less likely to be hired, earn less, and face more workplace bias than men with obesity. Despite the fact that more men have obesity, the economic and professional burden disproportionately falls on women.
Let’s be clear: obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure. Yet, society still treats it as a matter of willpower instead of biology. And that means women with obesity aren’t just battling a health crisis—they’re fighting an economic one, too.
The pay and employment gap no one talks about
We talk a lot about the gender pay gap, but there’s another inequity that rarely makes headlines—the weight-based pay gap. And it hits women hardest.
- Women with obesity are 5.3% less likely to be employed than women of a healthy weight. For men, the gap is just 0.3%.
- This employment disparity costs Canada $8.2 billion in lost wages every year.
- Even when employed, women with obesity earn 4% less annually, resulting in $3.8 billion in lost income.
These aren’t just statistics—they represent real women losing opportunities, facing financial struggles, and being unfairly judged for a chronic disease they did not choose.
The hidden barriers facing women with obesity
1. Workplace weight bias
Women with obesity are hired less, promoted less, and judged more—seen as less capable, less disciplined, or less healthy, despite equal qualifications and performance.
Much of this bias is rooted in deep-seated social expectations. Women, in particular, are pressured to meet unrealistic body standards, with weight often (wrongly) linked to professionalism, competence, or even work ethic.
This bias limits career growth and leadership opportunities, reinforcing systemic inequities. Employers and colleagues must recognize and address weight bias in the workplace to create real change.
Read more: Obesity Canada’s workplace & employer resources
2. Healthcare discrimination
Women with obesity need more medical care, yet they often experience higher rates of bias from healthcare providers. Many report feeling dismissed, with serious health concerns reduced to “just lose weight” instead of being properly assessed and treated.
The cultural obsession with dieting and thinness makes this worse. Women seeking medical care often feel blamed for their weight rather than supported in managing their health. This not only impacts their well-being—but also their ability to work, thrive, and provide for their families.
3. Cycle of stigma
Workplace discrimination and healthcare bias create stress, anxiety, and depression, making it harder for women with obesity to stay employed.
More absenteeism. Less support. Fewer opportunities. The cycle continues, trapping women in a system that makes success harder to reach.
How do we break the cycle?
This isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about ensuring that women aren’t penalized for their bodies. The idea that success is tied to size is outdated and harmful. It’s time to challenge these biases and create workplaces and healthcare systems that support all women, at every size.
This isn’t just an individual issue—it’s a systemic one. Real change starts with three key actions:
1. Recognize obesity as a chronic disease
Obesity isn’t a choice—it’s a chronic disease. Until we shift the conversation from blame to science-based solutions, women living with obesity will continue to face unnecessary stigma.
Alberta is leading the way—as of March 4, 2025, it is the first and only province to officially recognize obesity as a chronic disease. But millions of Canadians still don’t have access to treatment and support.
2. Eliminate workplace weight bias
Employers have a role to play in dismantling discrimination. That means:
✅ Inclusive hiring practices
✅ Accessible healthcare benefits
✅ Workspaces designed for all bodies
✅ Weight-neutral wellness programs
Every woman deserves equal opportunities, fair pay, and a workplace free from bias.
3. Improve access to obesity treatment
Obesity is treatable, but access remains a huge barrier.
❌ 80% of private health plans don’t cover obesity treatment medications, leaving many women without the care they need to manage their condition.
Without coverage, treatment remains out of reach—deepening financial and health inequities.
Read more: Understand obesity treatment options in Canada, and read our Cost of Inaction in Treating Obesity in Canada report
This International Women’s Day, be a force for change
Women living with obesity are fighting two battles—one for their health and another for their financial stability.
No woman should be paid less, hired less, or treated differently because of a disease she didn’t choose.
It’s time for Canada to step up
Sign Obesity Canada’s petition to have obesity recognized as a chronic disease in your Province and demand better access to care for all.
Let’s break the bias, together.
Data in this article is taken from the Cost of Inaction in Treating Obesity in Canada report.
