Employers don't generally choose heavier employees to work in front-facing positions or to rise to higher executive levels. They also tend to avoid workers with health conditions that can drive up the cost of any coverage they may provide to employees—whether it's legal or not. (Photo: Shutterstock)

It's not the only battle women have to fight, and it's shared by men, although to a lesser extent: discrimination against obese workers.

It affects the jobs they're offered, promotions denied,  financial circumstances, and, of course, retirement preparedness. And it has far-reaching implications. since according to the CDC, over 42% of adults aged 40-59 and over 35% of adults aged 20-39 are obese.

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Marlene Satter

Marlene Y. Satter has worked in and written about the financial industry for decades.

BenefitsPRO editors