WHAT’S BEING CLAIMED:
- Pinterest is banning all weight-related posts on its image-sharing platform.
- The move is part of the company’s aim to continuously expand its policies against body shaming.
- Pinterest is also working with plus-size models and social media personalities to promote body positivity on its platform.
Pinterest will no longer display any posts relating to weight loss. According to the company, the move comes as part of its goal to continue expanding its current policies against body shaming.
The image-sharing platform shared the news on Instagram, and has since received a lot of positive reactions from users.
One Instagram user, Jenn Baswick, wrote, “I am almost in tears that this is happening. Thank you on behalf of me, a very happy (now) dietitian and for all the lives you’ll be preventing diet culture from impacting negatively! Love to see it.”
Pinterest said in its post that it is committed to providing a safe and inspiring space for all its users, so it will continue to modify its policies for the better. “We want to champion content that celebrates body neutrality and acceptance, so you can focus on finding inspiration to create a life you love,” the company said.
The National Eating Disorders Association, whose helpline had received an increase in calls since the start of the pandemic, also guided Pinterest in developing its latest policy change.
Pinterest also said a search trend relating to body neutrality is emerging as many Pinners are starting to embrace self-acceptance. The company revealed that searches for ‘Healthy mindset quotes’ increased 13x, and searches for ‘body neutrality’ and ‘stop body-shaming quotes’ also increased 5x since last year.
Pinterest is working with Pinterest creators, including plus-size models and social media influencers like Tabria Majors, Shiquita Hyman, Tiffany Ima, and Alex Michael May, to further support its initiatives. The creators will be sharing Idea Pins on Pinterest’s “Today Tab” to showcase what positive themes, like body neutrality, means to them.
In an Instagram post, Major said diet culture and weight loss often negatively affect our mental health. She said it’s crucial to ensure that someone changes their lifestyle out of their own choice and not because they’re being influenced by harmful messaging.
“The journey to self-love isn’t easy, but this is certainly a way that helps. I hope that other brands follow in Pinterest’s footsteps,” she continued.
Source: Good Morning America
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