It’s hard to go on any online platform these days without being bombarded with diet culture propaganda one way or another. But with the recent announcement from Pinterest, they want to change that.
Pinterest have announced that they will be banning all ads which promote weight loss, making them the only major platform to prohibit them.
They’re also encouraging others in the industry to do the same as they promote the message “once and for all, that there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all.”
To make the announcement, they shared a blogpost via their site. They said, “Around the world, people of all ages are facing challenges related to body image and mental health, particularly as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and kick-off the summer season.”
They continued, “According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), there’s been a steep rise in unhealthy eating habits and eating disorders in young people since the COVID-19 pandemic started last year. Many are now feeling added pressure as they look to rejoin their social circles in person for the first time in 15 months.”
Reiterating that the platform the platform is intended to be a place of joy for many, they said it’s the place, “people come for inspiration to create life they love. It’s where everyone belongs—regardless of body shape or size.”
“We’re empowering Pinners to plan for a summer and beyond without weight loss ads, so they can focus on what matters most. Beginning July 1st, 2021, we’re updating our ad policies to prohibit all ads with weight loss language and imagery.”
While they are banning weight loss ads, they will still continue to run ads which promote healthy lifestyles and habits, as well as fitness services and products, but only as long as they do not promote weight loss. The policy has also been developed in accordance with NEDA.
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