Non-Linear relationship between Body Mass Index and labor market outcomes: New evidence from China

Using data from a most recent national household survey in China, we provide new evidence for the associations between body mass index (BMI) and labor market attainments. In contrast to previous studies, we find a significant non-linear relationship between BMI and probability of employment / wages, especially for women. Several potential channels are discussed carefully, including health, occupational sorting, self-esteem, and discrimination. Our findings are in favor of pure discrimination from potential employers, rather than the other three channels.