Closed petition Ban body shaming adverts, and fund a public awareness campaign

Closed on 12 July 2022

The Government should ban body shaming adverts, including for weight loss and diet products and services, which can create unhealthy eating and exercise habits.

For example, a recent advert shamed those of a larger size for the serving size they take; this feeds into the fat phobia stereotype in which the size of one’s body indicates their health.

If the Government instead funded a campaign to promote healthy relationships with food and exercise, I believe eating disorders would fall, people would be less likely to fixate on calories and ultimately, would have a balance, where food isn’t viewed as “good” and “bad.” We need to stop with the idea that a person’s health is merely based on the shape of their body, and begin to teach people how exercise can be good for your health and well-being rather than aesthetics only. People should enjoy food and exercise, not fear it.