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Doing some research today on the effects of diet talk & negative body image talk on us & those around us.
Honestly, the more I get into the research on the (massive) negative impacts of saying things like "I feel fat" on people of all sizes, the more indefensible it feels.
Honestly, the more I get into the research on the (massive) negative impacts of saying things like "I feel fat" on people of all sizes, the more indefensible it feels.
Saying things like "I feel fat" is reliably correlated with lower self esteem, greater likelihood of developing an eating disorder, less strong friendships, and more--both for the person doing the talking AND the person listening.
It's really, really striking.
It's really, really striking.
It's also disheartening to know that fat people have been asking for an end to this kind of talk for *years,* and so many people cling to it. Even when we make the case that it's in *no one's best interest.* Even when we respectfully ask for it to stop&articulate how it hurts us.
Anyway. Many, many thin women I know will defend their perceived right to engage in "I feel fat" talk with fatter people.
If that's you, look into the research on the effects of that behavior. I have yet to find data that shows ANY benefits. It only hurts, and it hurts EVERYONE.
If that's you, look into the research on the effects of that behavior. I have yet to find data that shows ANY benefits. It only hurts, and it hurts EVERYONE.
Some more questions for reflection:
- Why aren't fat folks' requests to leave us out of diet talk/negative body talk enough for you?
- Does the research change the way you feel about this practice? Why/why not?
- Why aren't fat folks' requests to leave us out of diet talk/negative body talk enough for you?
- Does the research change the way you feel about this practice? Why/why not?
- If that doesn't change the way you feel about diet talk, what would? What would be enough?
- What feels threatened when you think of asking for consent before engaging in diet talk? What are you afraid will happen?
(These are for silent reflection - please don't respond here.)
- What feels threatened when you think of asking for consent before engaging in diet talk? What are you afraid will happen?
(These are for silent reflection - please don't respond here.)
Directly from one of the researchers:
“Fat talk seems to have unintended consequences,” says Engeln-Maddox. “Women think it will make them feel better, but it actually seems to make them feel worse.”
“Fat talk seems to have unintended consequences,” says Engeln-Maddox. “Women think it will make them feel better, but it actually seems to make them feel worse.”
From that same researcher:
“Imagine you’re a woman who has a real struggle with weight and you overhear two thin women talking about how fat they feel,” says Engeln-Maddox. “As one of our study participants wrote, ‘If you’re fat, then what am I?’”
“Imagine you’re a woman who has a real struggle with weight and you overhear two thin women talking about how fat they feel,” says Engeln-Maddox. “As one of our study participants wrote, ‘If you’re fat, then what am I?’”
Diet talk & negative body talk hurts you.
It hurts your friends.
It hurts kids & teens who hear you.
It hurts (and insults) people who are fatter than you.
It hurts your friendships & relationships.
Instead of focusing on your own defensiveness, focus on reducing all that harm.
It hurts your friends.
It hurts kids & teens who hear you.
It hurts (and insults) people who are fatter than you.
It hurts your friendships & relationships.
Instead of focusing on your own defensiveness, focus on reducing all that harm.
