Study: Looking fit and healthy could help you get the corner office

According to new research, if you want to get elected or are hoping for a big promotion, you might want to take some steps to improve your appearance. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, found that respondents strongly favor healthier-looking candidates for leadership positions.

The scientists, from universities in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, surveyed 148 men and women. They showed the respondents digitally altered photos of the same man’s face and asked them which they would choose as the next chief executive officer (CEO) of their company. One photo had the kind of healthy glow that comes from a balanced diet and lots of exercise, while the other looked pale and grayer in complexion.

“We saw such an overriding effect of perceived health,” lead study author Brian Spisak of the VU University Amsterdam tells Time Magazine. “When people were voting for leaders, this seemed to dominate every sort of voting paradigm that we gave participants.”

If you have your eye on a leadership position, you may want to eat more fruits and vegetables and hit the gym more often to get that healthy glow. You can also invest in regular chemical peels to stimulate cell turnover, resulting in more luminous-looking skin. Additionally, some people may want to consider plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, abdominoplasty and/or a facelift to appear fitter and more energetic than ever. Remember, when you’re making an investment in your future, be sure to only consult with a board certified plastic surgeon such as Dwayne Lett, M.D.

If you are interested in learning more about your surgical and non-surgical options for helping you reach your long-term goals, contact The Lett Center to schedule an initial consultation today!