In Western societies, the "ideal" body type for men is often characterized by being tall and muscular, while for women, it tends to emphasize thinness and conventional notions of beauty.
Samantha Kwan coined the term "body privilege" and explains how it affects some people's everyday life.
The term "body privilege" indicates that there are social benefits to fitting the standard image.
In terms of workplace environments, the Uconn Rudd Center found that employees that possess features such as higher body weight often face "unfair hiring practices, lower wages, fewer promotions, harassment from co-workers, and unfair job termination".
Those who are deemed as conventionally attractive are stereotyped as individuals who are more intelligent and seen as those who have happier marriages, and generally lead better lives.