While federal law generally does not prohibit discrimination against workers because of their weight and height, a growing number of states and localities have or are considering passing laws to prohibit workplace weight and height discrimination. Even without mandatory legal protections or requirements, employers can consider how best to address weight and height discrimination in the workplace.

Age discrimination, or ageism, in the workplace involves treating an applicant or employee unfavorably because of their age. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) forbids age discrimination against people aged 40 or older in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training and benefits.