Pinterest bans weight loss ads. Health experts say it’s a “positive step”

Pinterest became the first major social media platform to ban weight loss ads on the site.

The policy covers advertisements that include testimonials about weight loss or weight loss products, as well as advertisements that refer to body mass index (BMI) or similar measurements, and more. According to the company, advertisements promoting healthy lifestyles, habits or fitness products and services will still be allowed, as long as they don’t “focus on weight loss.”

Pinterest said in a statement shared on July 1 that they were the “only major platform to ban all weight loss ads.”

“This is an extension of our advertising policies which have long prohibited bodily humiliation and unsafe weight loss products or claims,” ​​the statement continued. Since 2015, Pinterest has been blocking searches for pro-food content. The site also already has rules prohibiting ads promoting diet pills or before-and-after images.

Dr Deborah Glasofer, a clinical psychologist at the Columbia Center for Eating Disorders in New York City, said the additional restrictions on weightloss advertisements has been a positive step for the digital bulletin board site, particularly when it comes to accommodating users who may have or be in recovery from an eating disorder.

“This kind of imagery is particularly unnecessary, especially body images that send a message that thinness is ideal compared to the actual bodies most of us live in,” Glasofer said. “Anything that pushes a lot of rigid eating rules is especially unnecessary for someone with an eating disorder.”

Dietitian Samantha Cassetty said the emphasis on a “conventionally lean and fit body” in weight loss ads can negatively change people’s perceptions of nutrition and health.

“When you constantly see photos of a body type, which may be unrealistic for you, it can promote body dissatisfaction and the pursuit of thinness,” Cassetty said.

Glasofer agreed that these advertisements can lead to negative self-perception.

“There is certainly research that shows that for people vulnerable to eating disorders, and even people without eating disorders, there are certain images, especially things that appear on social media, that can have a very big impact on how they think about themselves, how they feel about their body, or how important it is to change their shape or their ways, ”said Glasofer. “I think these ads can have a negative impact on people who have a present, past, or vulnerability to eating disorders.”

Dr Rebecca Berry, a child and adolescent psychologist at the Child Study Center at the Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital of NYU Langone Health, said this effect is particularly pronounced in adolescents, who may spend more time on social media and might be more vulnerable to self negative. -picture.

“When an individual sees these weight loss ads or even sees, say, a TikTok video of someone who is like ‘This is what i eat, that’s what I weigh “, this can lead to a gap between a person’s actual self and their ideal self, which can lead to what we call emotions of disappointment or dissatisfaction related to the despondency or dissatisfaction with body image in particular, ”Berry said. “… It’s that feeling of ‘I’m not good enough’, and it comes from exposure to this particular type of media.”

Cassetty pointed out that testimonials in weight loss advertising can give people the wrong impression of how effective a particular diet or diet is for them.

“This anecdotal evidence doesn’t ring a bell,” Cassetty said. “Also, a testimonial doesn’t tell you what else the person was doing to get the results discussed. So they might be touting a product, but they changed their eating, exercise, and sleep habits. . And testimonials don’t. T indicate how safe or healthy a program is. “

If you are looking for information on weight loss, Glasofer recommends that you start by speaking with your own doctor or other medical expert who is familiar with your personal past and situation.

“It could be a primary care physician, it could be a dietitian, but someone who can really review a person’s diet and weight history to understand what is health. psychological and physical of that person, ”Glasofer said.

When it comes to social media, Cassetty recommends checking out credible sources, such as information from health organizations such as the American Heart Association or the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics, or articles written by registered dietitians. .

“Really, the key is to get information from qualified people to give you advice,” Cassetty said. “Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist or a health coach, but you need to make sure you get health and nutrition information from someone who has credentials … Study found that only one in nine bloggers presented factual information about weight loss, so it’s really crucial. “

Berry said parents can help their children maintain a healthy attitude towards weight and body image by avoid commenting on body shapes and highlighting how a “healthy” appearance can vary from person to person.

Cassetty said people should avoid anyone who recommends a diet or diet that focuses on restricting many food groups and be wary of information that “ignores the complexity of weight management.”

“Eating is only part of the equation. If someone positions weight management as an eat less / exercise more equation, it is a sign that they are ignoring the whole picture.” , Cassetty said. Also, if an influencer or plan promises weight loss or recommends a weight goal, run in the opposite direction. Your body will settle down where it’s supposed to settle, and no one can guarantee that you will lose. weight.”

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