Nix the Fat Talk

Much as I encourage clients and Food and Feelings message board members to speak their minds, I draw the line at fat talk which involves putting your body or someone else’s down because it is fat, large, or unshapely. This kind of talk is dangerous to self-esteem and mental health. Fortunately, we all can play a part in ending it. Psychological researchers define fat talk as “body-denigrating conversation between girls and women” (Sarasota Herald-Tribune, 6/4/13, “‘Fat talk’ can carry a steep cost” by Jan Hoffman, Health and Fitness, p. 28E). Of course, men can take part in these exchanges as well, but are less likely to do so. Hoffman explains fat talk as a “bonding ritual” that can be “contagious, aggravating poor body image and even setting the stage for eating disorders.” How many women participate in fat talk? One study concluded that “93% of college women admitted to engaging in it.” Here are some questions to help you assess your participation in fat talk. Do you and your friends complain about body size and shape? How do you feel after fat talk conversations? Do you have a set of friends who fat talk and a set who don’t? What’s the difference between these people? Which group is more mentally healthy? What happens when someone in the group tries to discourage fat talk or change the subject?  You may not realize how often you think or speak of your body in derogatory terms or, equally, how often you make a criti...
Source: Normal Eating - Category: Eating Disorders Authors: Source Type: blogs