Pinterest Stops Weight Loss Posts

Social media platform Pinterest has announced it will no longer posts ads featuring testimonials about weight loss or weight loss products, or ads referencing body mass index. "This stance makes Pinterest the only major platform to prohibit all weight loss ads," the company said in a statement . "It’s an expansion of our ad policies that have long prohibited body shaming and dangerous weight loss products or claims. We encourage others in the industry to do the same and acknowledge, once and for all, that there's no such thing as one-size-fits-all. " The policy change, developed with the assistance of The National Eating Disorders Association, will still allow ads that promote healthy lifestyles and habits or fitness services and products under the condition that there is no focus on weight loss. "NEDA applauds Pinterest for taking a leadership position as the first platform to prohibit all ads with weight-loss language and imagery," says Elizabeth Thompson, Interim chief executive officer, National Eating Disorders Association. "NEDA is encouraged by this necessary step in prioritizing the mental health and well-being of Pinners, especially those impacted by diet culture, body shaming, and eating disorders. We are hopeful this global policy will encourage other organizations and companies to reflect on potentially harmful ad messages and to establish their own working policies that will create meaningful change."