Health and fitness are big topics nowadays and because they're important to us in our everyday lives, they're also important to us in our work lives -- we spend too many waking hours at work to not worry about how our jobs are impacting our healthy living goals.

But what about thinking the reverse: how is your health affecting the success and happiness of your work life? Namely, do you think your weight is affecting your career?

Sadly, if you're overweight, there's a good chance that your weight is affecting your job success -- and not in a good way. Recently studies have begun confirming what many individuals have suspected for years: weight-based discrimination is alive and kicking and can affect everything from a person's hire-ability to their pay scale to their chance at getting the best promotions. Here are some scary statistics to consider:

• Weight-based discrimination affects people the most during the application and hiring process (employers are more likely to rely on negative stereotypes because they know so little about the individual).
• As a general rule overweight white women suffer the most discrimination.
• Only one state, Michigan, currently has a law on the books against weight-based discrimination.

So what are people to do if they think they're being unfairly judged, stereo-typed, and discriminated against because of their size?

Break down stereotypes Wrong and incorrect as they may be, stereotypes of obese people often include lazy, stupid, and sloppy. Break down these stereotypes by being conscious of them and making an extra effort to dress sharply, be prepared, and show up on time for job interviews (and every day after that once you get the job!).

Bring the issue up If you get the vibe that your weight might be affecting a job interview bring the subject up and talk about it -- for example, you could mention that you're healthy, energetic, and never had trouble getting around your previous office and/or performing your job duties.

Keep records If you feel you're being discriminated against, start a file of your employment records (performance evaluations, etc.) so that if your employer claims you aren't performing your job duties, you're prepared. It's also a good idea to keep notes (date, time, what was said, who was there) of anything negative your coworkers or supervisors say to you.

Don't take it lightly If somebody says something to you that's negative about your weight, don't just brush it off. Either approach the person directly (and calmly) about it in a conversation or take it to human resources, your boss, or even higher than that if necessary.

Don't hold yourself back If you know you can do a job, don't let the misconceptions of others hold you back. Don't neglect to apply for a promotion for fear your weight will get in the way or others will think you can't succeed.

Know your rights Educate yourself on the laws in your state and know what your rights are.