Obesity is a growing health problem in South Africa. This health problem could have various implications for the South African economy. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of obesity on employment status in South Africa with the use of household survey data. The study followed a quantitative research design that involved household survey data analysis through the use of a bivariate probit model to validate the relationship between obesity and employment. The data was gathered in the National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS) and administered by the South African Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU). The fi ndings suggest that obesity has a negative impact on employment status in South Africa.