Weight loss drugs could boost chances of getting a job

Recent research by Harvard economist Rebecca Diamond suggests that losing weight through GLP-1 weight loss drugs could improve job prospects for women. In a study comparing women who took GLP-1 drugs to a control group, Diamond found that women who were unemployed increased their chances of securing a job by 26.9 percentage points after a year-and-a-half of treatment.

This improvement, Diamond believes, is likely due to people's first impressions of these women, rather than changes in mood or productivity. Julie Trafford, a professor at AUT, noted that similar issues may exist in New Zealand, although cultural differences could complicate matters. Some women have reported experiencing weight stigma in the workplace, with coworkers being less attentive or even making unkind comments.

However, those who have lost weight have noticed a difference in how they are treated. Professor Peter Shepherd from the University of Auckland suggested that self-confidence, which often improves after weight loss, plays a significant role in employment opportunities. As weight loss drugs become more affordable, their benefits may outweigh the costs, heralding a new era in career opportunities for those who are overweight.