The findings add to already existing research on the ‘obesity penalty’ heavier women face in terms of hiring discrimination and lower pay
New research from a Harvard economist found that women who take GLP-1 weight-loss medications have higher employment rates.
A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that women who used GLP-1 medications for at least 18 months experienced a 27-percentage-point increase in employment compared with women who wanted the medications but did not use them.
The biggest employment gains came among women who were previously unemployed and lost weight while taking the drugs. However, the medications did not appear to increase raises or promotions among women who were already employed.
The study also found a 29-percentage-point increase in marriage and cohabitation rates among women using GLP-1s over the same period.
The findings add to research on the so-called “obesity penalty,” which refers to the hiring discrimination and lower wages that heavier women can face in the workplace.
By late 2024, 6% of US women were taking GLP-1s to slim down. The high cost of the treatment allowed only the financially advantaged to use it.
Diamond’s research highlights concerns over unequal access and raises ethical questions about using medical treatments to counter social and labor market discrimination.