Jokes about weight gain that suggest that weight gain is inherently negative are harmful. They’re not harmful because they “offend” people, they’re harmful because they perpetuate a culture that idolizes thinness and encourages people to go to extreme lengths to achieve it.

Eating disorders are one of the only mental illnesses that have a social component in their development. In other words, our cultural attitudes & norms about weight are one reason about 30 million Americans will struggle with an eating disorder at some point in their lives

In fact, according to a research review from 2015, “The best-known environmental contributor to the development of eating disorders is the sociocultural idealization of thinness.” (Quote from @NEDAstaff’s website)

The messages we send about weight matter. It’s not just my opinion, the affects are quantifiable. Research shows one-half of teenage girls and one-third of teenage use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, or laxatives.

We need to change the way we think & talk about weight not only for the millions already suffering, but for the next generation, for our children who are listening to us & learning how to view and treat their bodies.

Finally, eating disorders & body image issues can effect anyone, but data shows they do disproportionately affect women. I am grateful for the men in my life who have never struggled with this, yet have taken the time to listen & learn how to support women who do.

Unfortunately, those men are in the minority. I hope one day we have a culture where everyone, regardless of personal experience, is thoughtful in how they speak about weight in order to reflect a healthier & more nuanced perspective on weight.

(Ok seriously, the final note, I misused affects vs effects multiple times in this thread and I’m mad! at! myself! about it)