Relative weight and income at different levels of socioeconomic status.

Abstract

We examined the association of relative weight with individual income at different levels of socioeconomic status among gainfully employed Finnish women and men. We used a population-based survey including 2068 women and 2314 men with linked income data from a taxation register. Regression analysis was used to calculate mean income levels within educational and occupational groups. Compared with their normal-weight counterparts, obese women with higher education or in upper white-collar positions had significantly lower income; a smaller income disadvantage was seen in overweight women with secondary education and in manual workers. Excess body weight was not associated with income disadvantages in men. Obesity is associated with a clear income disadvantage, particularly among women with higher socioeconomic status.