Rethinking Our Language: The Impact of “Fat Talk” on Body Image

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Have you ever wondered if ditching the word “fat” could help you feel less so? Recently, social media giant Facebook took a step to eliminate the option of posting “feeling fat” updates, responding to a campaign aimed at promoting body positivity. Psychologist Sarah Thompson, who advocated for this change, argues that such expressions of self-criticism, often referred to as “fat talk,” don’t actually improve our mood. Instead, they can bring us down further and even negatively affect those around us.

The Widespread Nature of Negative Self-Talk

This isn’t just a phenomenon among young women; women of all ages, from teens to those in their 70s, engage in this kind of negative self-talk. I can definitely relate—my group of mom friends often spends time lamenting about our bodies, comparing our post-baby bellies and tighter jeans. And don’t even get me started on how our bodies change over time!

Understanding the Impact

Until recently, I hadn’t really thought about how these conversations impact me. More often than not, I end up feeling worse, which leads me to attempt a new diet. But then, feeling defeated, I usually abandon it right away. A recent article in The Atlantic pointed out that focusing on appearance while dieting is a surefire way to ignore our bodies’ hunger cues, leading to binge eating. So, if I really want to lose weight, maybe I should stop obsessing over how I look. While that might sound daunting, at least Facebook suggests we stop talking about it.

Resources for Further Reading

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Conclusion

In summary, letting go of negative language about our bodies may help improve how we feel. The key takeaway is that instead of focusing on our perceived flaws, we should strive to embrace a more positive dialogue, both with ourselves and others.