Taxi drivers among the most FAT-SHAMED workers by colleagues and strangers, new survey reveals
- Perry Richardson
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers are among the most targeted workers when it comes to weight-based discrimination in the workplace, according to a new survey.
Research by Oxford Online Pharmacy found that 44.44% of taxi and lorry drivers have experienced fat shaming from an employer or colleague — the highest figure of any profession included in the study. The findings suggest weight-based stigma remains widespread, despite growing public awareness around body image issues.
The survey, which involved 2,000 UK adults, aimed to measure the extent of negative comments or treatment people face due to their body size. While many assume workplace fat shaming has declined, especially in the wake of body positivity campaigns, the data paints a different picture.
Although employers and colleagues were not the most frequent overall sources of body shaming — with strangers and family topping that list — for taxi drivers, the workplace appears to be a particularly hostile environment.
The job itself can involve long hours of sedentary work, often with limited access to healthy food options or time for exercise. However, the survey did not explore whether working conditions contribute to the negative attitudes drivers face.
The figures also indicate that male workers were more likely to be targeted by friends, while female workers more frequently cited family members as the source of body-related remarks. But in the taxi and lorry driving profession, the weight-based comments from colleagues and bosses stood out as a key issue, crossing gender lines.
This new data raises questions about how workplace culture in the driving sector addresses body image, and whether enough is being done to ensure a respectful and inclusive environment.
Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, said: “It’s shocking to see that so many people are still experiencing weight-based discrimination in 2025 – especially the younger generation who were born in a time that embraced the body-positive movement.
“This no doubt reflects the complete switch in societal attitudes in recent years, with social media showing 16-24-year-olds reverting to idolising body images reminiscent of the 1990s and early 2000s.
“There needs to be an increased awareness and education of the impact fat shaming can have on the health of victims – from within family environments to workplaces.
“Studies reveal it can increase the risk of depression or anxiety, cause low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts, and can trigger unhealthy eating behaviours and disorders.
“Losing weight and managing it should be tackled safely. While weight loss medications have risen in popularity, they are not a quick fix, or suitable for everybody. Ozempic (known as Wegovy in the UK), Mounjaro and other GLP-1 receptors obtained without medical approval or supervision can also be extremely dangerous for your health.
“If you’re struggling with body image issues or weight loss in general, seek professional advice on healthy weight management and mental wellbeing support from your GP, a registered dietitian or via pharmacy or council services.”
