Recently, Facebook decided to eliminate the option for users to post “feeling fat” status updates, a move influenced by a growing online campaign. This change might leave those of us who often lament about our perceived body imperfections, like stubborn love handles or less-than-perky posteriors, without a platform to share our frustrations. Psychologist Laura Mitchell, who advocated for this change, argues that such expressions of self-criticism, referred to as “fat talk,” often do more harm than good. She suggests that these conversations can lower our moods and even negatively impact those around us.
It’s not just the younger demographic engaging in this kind of self-deprecation; women of all ages—ranging from 16 to 70—are part of the discussion, as highlighted in a survey featured in the Journal of Women’s Psychology. As a mother of young kids, I can attest to the fact that my peers and I frequently share our gripes about our bodies—our stomachs seem to have expanded, our jeans fit more snugly, and we often miss the youthful perkiness we once had. And don’t even get me started on the changes to our breasts.
Until I read Dr. Mitchell’s insights, I hadn’t realized how rarely I felt uplifted after these types of conversations. Typically, I end up feeling down, which only leads me to vow that I’ll start a new diet. However, the moment I feel that familiar sadness, I often abandon my diet plans altogether.
Interestingly, I recently came across an article in The Atlantic that stated that diets based on appearance are the least likely to succeed. The focus on looks often causes dieters to ignore their body’s hunger signals, leading to binge eating. This suggests that if my goal is to shed some pounds for the sake of appearance, I may need to trick myself into not fixating on how I look—something that seems quite challenging. But according to Facebook’s new guidelines, at the very least I should stop vocalizing my concerns.
For more insights, check out this other blog post, which emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset in body image. You can also explore reputable resources like Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits, or visit RESOLVE for comprehensive information on family building options.
In summary, the shift away from “fat talk” could be a significant step toward fostering a healthier self-image. Instead of lamenting about our bodies, perhaps we can focus on feeling good and embracing our journeys.
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