Pinterest Bans Weight Loss Ads - New Policy Update

Pinterest Bans Weight Loss Advertising

Effective immediately, Pinterest is implementing a ban on all advertisements related to weight loss. This comprehensive policy encompasses any messaging or visuals that advocate for weight reduction, market weight loss products, promote unrealistic body ideals, or make reference to Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations.

This decision positions Pinterest as the first major social media platform to adopt such a firm position against weight loss advertising.

The Harmful Impact of Social Media on Body Image

For a considerable period, social media platforms have contributed to the propagation of damaging beauty standards. While the concept of “body positivity” has gained prominence, often replacing the earlier “thinspo” trends seen on platforms like Tumblr, a subtle form of weight stigma can still persist.

Consider the example of Weight Watchers, which rebranded as WW (“Wellness That Works”) in 2018. Despite this change, the company continues to highlight members’ weight loss achievements on its official website.

Even content intended to be supportive regarding weight loss can inadvertently contribute to the development of disordered eating patterns, rather than fostering genuinely healthy behaviors. This underscores the potentially detrimental nature of the wellness industry.

Collaboration with the National Eating Disorders Association

Pinterest’s revised advertising policy was created with input from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA). NEDA has previously collaborated with other platforms, including Tumblr and Facebook, to address similar concerns.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in March 2020, NEDA has observed a significant increase in calls to its helpline services from individuals experiencing difficulties with eating disorders.

As noted by Rebecca Jennings of Vox, the increased time spent online during lockdowns led to greater exposure to content that negatively impacts self-perception.

Even prominent figures, such as sixteen-year-old actress Sissy Sheridan, have publicly expressed this sentiment, tweeting: “i liked my body before i downloaded tik tok.”

Key Takeaways

• Pinterest is the first major social media platform to ban weight loss ads.
• The policy aims to protect users from harmful beauty standards and promote positive body image.
• NEDA provided guidance in developing the updated ad policy.
• Increased online activity during the pandemic correlated with a rise in eating disorder concerns.