Weight halo effects: Individual differences in personality evaluations and perceived life success of men as a function of weight?

The question of whether or not personality and life success halo effects occur for weight for men was examined in 2 experiments. Experiment 1 used a 2 (weight of man) × 2 (sex of participant) design and personality social desirability measures. Experiment 2 used a 2 (weight of man) × 2 (sex of participant) design and the Big-5 dimensions of personality. Weight did not affect personality ratings on the dimensions of the Big-5. Personality halo effects only occur for social desirability aspects of personality. Thinner men received higher social desirability ratings than overweight men did. Additionally, thinner/normal weight men received higher ratings for attractiveness, enthusiasm, and perceived occupational success, while heavier/overweight men received higher ratings for intelligence, friendliness, trustworthiness, parenting skill, and mate potential. These results are discussed in terms of prior research on beauty and weight.