As a Registered Dietitian specializing in the treatment of weight management and eating disorders, the discussion of "fat talk" and body image is too often a conversation I have with my clients - both females and males. More and more I come across people who view their bodies in such a negative way that it often compromises their health by driving them to follow unrealistic restrictive diets and abuse their bodies by overexercising, purging or other potentially dangerous means. What ever happened to appreciating the fact that our bodies can fight off infection and heal a cut with little effort? The fact that we can walk, pick up our kids, and just simply breathe and maintain our heartbeat without even a thought? What ever happened to appreciating our eyes and the beauty of their unique color?
"fat talk describes all of the statements made in everyday conversation that reinforce the thin ideal and contribute to women's dissatisfaction with their bodies. Examples of fat talk may include: "I'm so fat" "Do I look fat in this" "I need to lose 10 pounds" and "She's too fat to be wearing that swimsuit." Statements that are considered fat talk don't necessarily have to be negative; they can seem positive yet also reinforce the need to be thin - "You look great! Have you lost weight?" The 2010 campaign asks supporters to spread the message of Fat Talk Free Week by inviting their friends and family to share the message of ending fat talk through self-expression and social media."
This year there is a video contest to help bring awareness to this event - read more about the contest here via the Fat Talk Free Facebook page. In 2008 Reflections Body Image Program launched their first online video to bring awareness to fat talk - view it here. Their 2009 video is just as informative and can be viewed via this link.
This is a serious issue and such a common language among us that we don't even realize how often we speak it. So I challenge you to be aware and catch yourself before you fat talk; redirect the conversation. Start now to make a difference for yourself, your family and your friends.
Let's focus on being positive with ourselves and others. List one thing you LIKE and appreciate about your body - start today. Appreciate your body for being healthy and strong. Appreciate your level or increasing level of fitness. Don't measure your success by a number on a scale - there are many more important things to focus on. You can even submit an anonymous letter to your body though this website. Help to end fat talk today!
This post was written by Kristine Van Workum, Registered Dietitian and owner of Brevard Nutrition, Inc. Kristine provides outpatient nutrition counseling for groups and individuals to help manage a wide variety of medical conditions. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, weight management and sports nutrition. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 321-327-7948, or visit her website.
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