Tynan Phelan resolved to get in shape last year because he wasn’t happy with his appearance. After tough workouts, his weight【C1】________from 270 pounds to 200 pounds.

The resulting boost to his self-esteem, he expected. More shocking, he says, was suddenly getting【C2】_____at work. “It’s unfortunate, but people treat you【C3】_____,” says Phelan.

They aren’t sure whether it’s fair, but people who’ve lost weight say that getting【C4】_____has helped their careers. With the help of diet pills, weight loss feels more【C5】__than ever for many Americans, and the benefits might not be limited to a number on the【C6】__. Weight bias in the workplace is well documented, with studies showing that people with【C7】__are paid and promoted less on average than thinner【C8】_____.

A few say shedding weight and gaining【C9】_____has made them better at their jobs. Mostly, though, they attribute newfound success—from【C10】__attention to new clients and bigger commissions—【C11】_____the way others perceive them.

People who appear to be physically【C12】_____often enjoy a “health halo,” and we assume they’re hardworking,【C13】_____-oriented types, says Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic.

Weight【C14】_____is one of the most insidious forms of on-the-job discrimination, with heavier people often stereotyped as lazy or【C15】__. That reasoning has always been shaky, and, says Albers, assuming that a(n)【C16】__with the discipline to stay slim has the right discipline for the job vacancy could be totally wrong.【C17】__alone is an unreliable gauge of someone’s【C18】_____or work ethic.

【C19】_____, some say sticking to a wellness routine shows they are【C20】_____and have time-management skills that can translate to business.

【C2】