The only non-problematic social media app in my opinion, Pinterest, is now banning ads that use weight loss language and imagery and I am all for this.
This week, Pinterest announced that it would not allow ads with testimonials about weight loss products, or ads referencing body mass index (BMI) on the platform. This is in line with advice from the National Eating Disorders Association, to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of its users is prioritised.
“This stance makes Pinterest the only major platform to prohibit all weight loss ads. It’s an expansion of our ad policies that have long prohibited body shaming and dangerous weight loss products or claims,” the company said in a blog post.
Ads promoting healthy lifestyles, habits or fitness services will still be allowed to advertise, but will not be allowed if the ads “focus on weight loss.”
According to MediaRadar, weight loss brand ad spending reached $372 million between January and June 2021 – 89% more than last year. It’s pretty fucked considering most people have been trapped inside for the majority of the year, likely putting on weight in the process. The last thing people need to be told is that they should hate their bodies, after it helped them survive a pandemic.
I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again: Pinterest is the best social media platform because you can just look at pretty pictures, without the trolls.
So I’m happy that they are once again proving their superiority to all other social media platforms by dismantling diet culture one step at a time. It’s great that brands are starting to adapt and are using more diverse body types in their online advertising, but as long as social media platforms are allowing ads that promote “weight loss” – it’s like taking one step forward and then two steps back.
Let’s hope this sets a precedent for all the other social media channels to follow. Instagram, I’m looking at you.
