Gender Difference in the Impact of Body Size on Income: An Empirical Study Based on Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) Data

Abstract

The growth of obesity has reached epidemic levels, becoming one of China’s most severe public health issues, while prejudice against obesity is also on the rise. However, the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and income remains underexplored in China. This study unveils a positive correlation between income and BMI, highlighting gender disparities. It contributes to existing literature by providing analytical and quantitative insights into the BMI-income relationship by gender. Moreover, it examines how variables such as workplace location, marital status, work experience, job type, and BMI stability affect and diminish the significance of the BMI-income relationship in China.