Obese Teenaged Boys Earn Less When They Grow Up: Study

Men who were once obese as teenagers generally earn 18 percent lesser than their slimmer peers in adolescence, according to a study.

Swedish researchers from the Lund University and other esteemed institutes in the U.K and U.S. found being fat is a serious disadvantage for men even after their 'fat phase' and might have an effect on their income levels. The experts analyzed data of 145,193 men who were brothers and enlisted in the Swedish National Services. The study also included other data like thinking capacities, memory, reasoning and other non-cognitive aptitudes like motivation, self-confidence and persistence. In addition, the records of annual income and salaries when the participants were aged between 28 and 39 were also included to assess the relation between income and obesity in younger years, reports the Health Site.

It was observed people who were overweight and obese as teens earned at least 18 percent less during adulthood. But, this trend was not seen among those who remained obese through-out their lives.

The authors postulate childhood and adolescent obesity triggers mental disturbances, low self-esteem and less interest in academic and everyday activities. Moreover, teens who are fat are victimized and bullied by their peers. These impact their overall outlook and interfere with their academics and mental well-being. Such teens are less likely to get a University degree or finish education. As a result their income levels in adulthood will be lesser than their peers.

"Our results suggest that the rapid increase in childhood and adolescent obesity could have long-lasting effects on the economic growth and productivity of nations. We believe that the rationale for government intervention for these age groups is strong because children and adolescents are arguably less able to take future consequences of their actions into account," said Paul Nystedt, one of the researchers form the Jönköping University in a news release.

""These results reinforce the importance of policy combating early-life obesity in order to reduce healthcare expenditures as well as poverty and inequalities later in life," he adds.

More information is available online in the journal Demography.