Plus size moms speak out and share their stories of what happens when you do Weight Watchers as a kid. The result is not what Weight Watchers, now rebranded as WW, is marketing with its new Kurbo App for kids.
Trigger warning for dieting and eating disorders.
Mothers, with their own history of dieting at a young age and even being put on WW by their parents, are addressing concerns about Weight Watchers marketing to children. These women feel like being introduced to diets at a young age set them up for a lifetime of disordered eating. The experts tend to agree!
Respected organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association are speaking out against WW targeting kids. “An app-based program that emphasizes and celebrates weight loss is risky for this vulnerable population of children and adolescents at a time when their bodies are undergoing significant changes and are especially susceptible to harm.”
Kurbo is marketing their app to kids ages 8 – 17. At a time in kids lives when they are extremely vulnerable to developing eating disorders.
Related: Gestational Diabetes And Pregnancy Nutrition When You’re Plus Size
In 2016 the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with a clinical report called, Preventing Obesity and Eating Disorders in Adolescents. In this report, they said, “The focus should be on healthy living and healthy habits rather than on weight.
Psychology Today, in their article on how to talk to our kids about food, addresses the importance of not labeling food as “good” or “bad.” Yet, WW has a long history of moralizing food with points. And now they’ve added a traffic-light system for kids.
Related: Eating Disorder Recovery + Fat Activism With Dani Adriana
Beyond studies and concerns from experts, we have heartbreaking stories of adults who did Weight Watchers as children.
We need to listen to the concerned voices! Those who understand all too well what happens when you do Weight Watchers as a kid. Stories like Carrie Saum of Our Stable Table. She feels her experience with WW as a child gave her a ticket to an eating disorder as a teenager.
Listen to episode 69 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, featuring special guest Carrie Saum. We also hear from moms, including activist Amy Pence-Brown of Bosie Rad Fat Collective, and Registered Dietitian Jennifer Bryant.
Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 69
Resources Mentioned On The Show:
- We talk a lot about intuitive eating during this episode. You might want to read the book, Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works.
- Listen to the Raising Body Positive Kids podcast episode.
- Call into the show and leave a voicemail with questions or comments regarding any Plus Mommy topic – 505-926-1303.
- Connect with Carrie Saum via her website, Our Stable Table, and via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.