Fat Talk Free Week

Office of Health Education and Promotion - Body Image

Fat Talk Free Week

The media’s creation of “the thin ideal” is an unrealistic and unattainable standard of beauty. Yet, millions of individuals lose time, money, energy, self esteem and relationships in pursuit of this fashion fantasy. Life pursuits that are meaningful and fulfilling such as education, advocacy, and creative ventures are often regarded as less important than the achievement of thinness. The quest to emulate the thin ideal can cause negative body image, distorted eating and extremes in exercise behaviors. Our culture’s endorsement of the “thin ideal” has consequently led to the daily pastime of “fat talk” further distancing individuals from their authentic capabilities and potential.

UNH Health Services encourages students and the like to purse a “healthy ideal” versus the “thin ideal” and to end “fat talk.” The pursuit of the healthy ideal, which looks different for everyone, requires us to take care of our bodies. The healthy ideal happens when we simultaneously maximize our physical health, mental health and quality of life. For better or worse, however, our bodies are no different than any other object or living being in our care. Hate them and we are likely to abuse them. Love them and we will finally begin down the road to health.

So give up Fat Talk, which reinforces the thin ideal, and join us in the pursuit of the healthy ideal!

Ways to End Fat Talk

Fat talk takes place in everyday conversation, reinforcing the thin ideal and contributing to dissatisfaction with our bodies. Examples of fat talk include:

“I’m so fat,”
“Do I look fat in this?”
“I need to lose 10 pounds”
“She’s too fat to be wearing that swimsuit.”
“I need to gain more muscle.”

Statements that are considered “fat talk” don’t necessarily have to be negative; they can seem positive yet reinforce the need to be thin – “You look great! Have you lost weight?”

To end “fat talk” focus instead on complementing an individual’s personality, strengths, their shoes or their jewelry, but not on their weight or body size.

By eliminating fat talk on the UNH campus, we can start to change the conversation with our friends and families. #UNHENDFATTALK