Let me ask you this: Do you allow your weight to define you? Have you allowed others negative comments shape the way you view yourself? Do you partake in negative fat talk?
For those who don’t know: Fat talk is a behavior among mostly women where we feel pressured to say negative things about our own body.
Fat talk has a huge impact on women’s self esteem and that is why Tri Delta launched Fat Talk Free Week which started today and continues throughout the week.
“Fat Talk Free Week is an international, 5-day public awareness effort to draw attention to body image issues and the damaging impact of the thin ideal on women in society.”
A 2007 study found that – “Because women feel pressured to follow the fat talk norm, they are more likely to engage in fat talk with other females.” (Female ‘fat talk’ socially mandatory, study finds)
Let’s face it, we are our own worst critic. We all focus on things we dislike about our body. We all say negative things about our body. Some of us more than others, but we all do it.
Today I’m encouraging all bloggers to pledge to yourself that you will stop complaining about your body. Today, I signed the promise form. No more fat talk for me! I urge you to do the same.
My goal: It won’t be easy, but I’m going to learn to love myself and my body.
For more info on Fat Talk Week please see http://www.endfattalk.org
Also check out Operation Beautiful, a website started by blogger Caitlin Boyle.
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7 responses so far ↓
Wrote: Oct 20, 2009 at 3:23 am
I’ve always hated this talk- pressure you describe. It’s terrible to hear a thin girl describe cellulite on her thighs as too fat- my best girl friend growing up used to do this constantly-
One of my cousins almost died from annorexia n am glad to report she had to learn to accept her natural shape to live, n is now doing well.
My shape is round, n full of strong muscle mass, but I like being sturdy n strong. As you age, it’s easier to accept what you have.
Tougher not to find sympathetic, empathetic friends discussing the subject together.
Hopped over from Jannies recommendation-
Wrote: Oct 20, 2009 at 8:12 am
I am not sure when I first started downing my body. I think it was when I started gaining the obligatory middle aged weight.
I had always been a size 5 up until I turned a woman of a certain age and my self image just plummeted into the abyss. Most of my family and friends are heavy folks and that didn’t help. I still try to convince myself daily that I am beautiful no matter what size I am.
Wrote: Oct 20, 2009 at 10:27 am
Ah Rose, this one hits close to home. I spend a huge amount of time on private and public negative self-talk, berating myself for the amount of weight I gained and can’t seem to lose since having my children. To be honest, I engaged in the same self-talk regardless of my weight. I think it may have something to do with people viewing your fat as an insult to their eyes. Or thinking they do.
I DO know I need to knock it off and NOW not only for myself, but for my children. I have a two year old son and one year old daughter. I want my son to grow up thinking all women are beautiful, and I don’t want my daughter to think that a body type that may eventually be hers is flawed in any way.
I will check out your links. Thanks for this post!
Wrote: Oct 20, 2009 at 11:31 am
It is certainly a tall order. You are so right that we are often our worst critics.
Wrote: Oct 20, 2009 at 8:35 pm
I will admit that I have the same low self confidence and I’m a man.
Rose, you really know how to speak to EVERYONE.
Wrote: Oct 21, 2009 at 1:59 pm
“Let’s face it, we are our own worst critic. ” That’s a fact.
I will check out the link as I’ve felt fat the past 2 days and I want to kick that ridiculous thinking to the curb.
Wrote: Oct 21, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I’m obviously not your target demographic on this article, but I definitely have let my fluctuating weight to define me. I loved having my picture taken during my early 20s. I was skinny and decent looking. Then I quit smoking. Then I gained 30 pounds. Then we had a baby. Then I gained another 10-15 pounds.
Now I’m slowly making my way back to health. I don’t think my weight defines me now, but it does actually say something about my character. If I’m overweight, displeased, and I don’t focus my energies to do something about it, I am either lazy, depressed, or something else.
So I think my physical condition always says something about who I am as a person right now. But I am able to make new decisions and change my thoughts, actions, and behavior patterns to be a healthier, happier person.