Why is it so important to not talk about weight with judgment?

Research shows “weight talk” has a negative impact on kids. Weight talk is harmful. Talking to a child with judgment about their weight, your weight, and the weight of others is known to contribute to the development of negative thoughts about one’s body. 

Body comments, body judgment, and teasing about body shape/size can lead children to develop a negative self-image. This can lead kids to develop harmful habits at a time when their bodies are growing, and their brains are developing.

People in recovery from an eating disorder, and eating disorder professionals know that weight talk has a negative impact:

“Almost all clients I see have a vivid memory of someone in key moments of their lives saying something that negatively impacts how they feel about their body and how they eat.” – Geri Scherer, MA, LP, Therapist/Licensed Psychologist

Eating disorders, often misunderstood, or overlooked, are serious health conditions that will impact the lives of nearly 2.0 million children alive today who do not currently have an eating disorder but will develop one before adulthood.

Learn how to stop body dissatisfaction before it starts. Grab our free 3 Simple Shifts Guide to start making a difference in the way kids think about food and their bodies.

Additional Resources on Weight Talk:

• What is weight talk?
• But what about health? Isn’t it healthy to be mindful of your weight and to help your kids do so?
• Aren’t we all just being a bit too sensitive? shouldn’t we instead be helping our kids to not take everything so personally?
• What do I say instead of weight talk?