Lifestyle

If You Have These Physical Traits, You're More Likely To Make Less Money

by Leigh Weingus
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To the surprise of no one, our society places way too much importance on looks.

But, this is bad.

According to a new study published in the scientific journal BMJ, being a genetically overweight woman or a short man is correlated with a lower salary.

For the study, British researchers took a closer look at 119,669 women and men who had genetic variants that influenced height and BMI. In other words, they focused on people who are genetically predisposed to being certain heights and weights.

Their findings were pretty damn depressing. For every 2.5 inches of "genetically determined" extra height in men, they earned around $1,611 more per year and were 12 percent more likely to work in high-status jobs.

As for women, for every 4.6-point increase in BMI, they earned an average of $4,200 less per year.

While these findings certainly aren't encouraging, they're not all that surprising. According to a 2014 study on men in the military, men who are 5'8" and under are more likely to be depressed than their taller counterparts.

On top of that, a 2013 study conducted out of Bowling Green State University found people's weights are correlated with whether or not they get admitted to grad schools.

People, we have a long way to go. Let's work on being a little more accepting, shall we?

Citations: Short Men, Overweight Women Face Lower Pay (The New York Times)