Soapbox

I don’t know quite what to say about this ad. Yes, I agree that obesity is a growing problem in the USA, however with the speeding descent of female self-image, there is a better way to encourage better lifestyle choices.

I want to know the research group that thought this was a good idea. Being a therapist by day, I read a lot of studies and articles about the dangers of female self-image and the increasing numbers of girls who battle eating disorders. Did these people not see the same article? 

Women are projected in media very differently than men. I will not get on my feminist soapbox, but we all know that the previous is true. There are much better ways to encourage girls (and boys too, but this ad is clearly targeted at girls) to be healthy and active without making them feel less. 

First, I suggest we, as a nation, support and advocate for better school lunches, encourage them to be active, and also let people know that healthy minds equal healthy bodies. 

I was not a heavy kid. I was always “bigger”, but I was tall. Once adolescences hit, I didn’t grow anymore and I started to gain weight. I think what we forget, is that we associate being overweight with an inability to do almost anything. 

This blog was started by girls, like the one in the ad. Just like her, we have a story. Never discount someone because of the body they have, give them a chance and you’ll be surprised.