WHAT IS
FAT TALK?
FOUR WAYS TO PROMOTE
HEALTHY BODY IMAGE
Also known as negative body talk, these are statements
made in everyday conversation that reinforce the thin
ideal, contribute to dissatisfaction with your body, and
further substantiate a narrow view of beauty. Statements
that are considered fat talk don’t necessarily have to
be negative; they can
seem positive yet also
reinforce the need to
be thin. Examples of
negative body talk
are “I need to lose
weight” or “I wish I
had a six-pack for
my abs.”
Eliminate fat talk from
conversations. Strive for
a “healthy ideal” and
know that this will look
different for everyone.
Focus on health, not
weight or size.
1. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead,
discuss things you like about yourself with a
friend or family member.
2. When you hear those around you talking
negatively about their bodies, remind them
of positive things the body does such as
breathe, play, read, and eat.
3. When someone gives you a compliment, rather
than objecting say “thank you.”
4. Celebrate the things about yourself and the
people in your life that have nothing to do
with appearance.
Did you know?
• Many pictures in advertisements and magazines
are airbrushed or computer modified to make
the person look better... think about how many
of these images we are exposed to in our lives.
• Americans spend more than $40 billion on
dieting and diet-related products each year...
and yet, do these tactics really work?
Wellness.IllinoisState.edu
If you would like a copy of this publication for use in your department, contact Health Promotion and Wellness at
(309) 438-WELL (9355), or print from our Toilet Talk archives at Wellness.IllinoisState.edu.
This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Health Promotion and Wellness at (309) 438-WELL (9355). An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity • University Marketing
and
Communications • 12-0527 printed on recycled paper
WHAT IS
FAT TALK?
FOUR WAYS TO PROMOTE
HEALTHY BODY IMAGE
1. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Also known as negative body talk,
Instead, discuss things you like about
these are statements made in everyday
yourself with a friend or family
conversation that reinforce the thin
member.
ideal, contribute to dissatisfaction with
your body, and further substantiate a
2. When you hear those around you
narrow view of beauty. Statements that
talking negatively about their body,
are considered fat talk don’t necessarremind them of positive things the
ily have to be negative; they can seem
bodies does such as breathe, play,
positive yet also reinforce the need to
read, and eat.
be thin. Examples of negative body talk
are “I need to lose weight” or “I wish I 3. When someone gives you a
compliment, rather than objecting
had a six-pack for my abs.”
say “thank you.”
Eliminate fat talk from conversations.
4. Celebrate the things about yourself
Strive for a “healthy ideal” and know
and the people in your life that have
that this will look different for
nothing to do with appearance.
everyone. Focus on health, not
weight or size.
Did you know?
• Many pictures in advertisements
and magazines are airbrushed or
computer modified to make the person
look better... think about how many of
these images we are exposed to in
our lives.
• Americans spend more than $40 billion
on dieting and diet-related products
each year... and yet, do these tactics
really work?
Wellness.IllinoisState.edu
If you would like a copy of this publication for use in your department,
contact Health Promotion and Wellness at (309) 438-WELL (9355), or
print from our Toilet Talk archives at Wellness.IllinoisState.edu.
This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Health Promotion and Wellness at (309) 438-WELL (9355). An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity
University Marketing and Communications 12-0527 printed on recycled paper