Relative weight and income at different levels of socioeconomic status

OBJECTIVES: We examined the association of relative weight with individual income at different levels of socioeconomic status among gainfully employed Finnish women and men. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is associated with a clear income disadvantage, particularly among women with higher socioeconomic status.