In a groundbreaking decision informed by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), Pinterest has enacted a complete ban on weight loss advertisements across its platform. The digital pinboard service has long prohibited content that promotes body shaming or harmful weight loss products, but now it will extend these restrictions to include any advertisements that mention weight loss, reference Body Mass Index (BMI), or feature before-and-after images that idealize specific body types.
Aya Kanai, Pinterest’s Head of Content, stated that the platform aims to foster a safe and inspiring environment for all users. In a recent Instagram post, Pinterest emphasized its commitment to evolving its policies to support body neutrality and acceptance, allowing users to seek inspiration for a fulfilling life without the pressure of weight-related content.
This policy sets Pinterest apart as the only major platform to completely prohibit weight loss ads, which reflects an expansion of its existing ad guidelines that already banned body shaming and dangerous weight loss claims. The company expressed hope that other platforms would follow suit, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective.
Updated Guidelines
Pinterest’s updated guidelines will now include restrictions on:
- Any language or imagery related to weight loss
- Testimonials regarding weight loss products
- Content that idealizes or denigrates specific body types
- References to BMI or similar metrics
- Products claiming weight loss through topical application
However, advertisements promoting a healthy lifestyle will still be permitted as long as they do not focus on weight loss. The new guidelines were shaped with insights from NEDA, which praised Pinterest for taking a leading role in prioritizing the mental health of its users, especially those affected by diet culture and eating disorders.
Pinterest noted an increase in user interest in themes such as “healthy mindset quotes,” which have surged by 13 times since 2020. Additionally, searches for “body neutrality” and “stop body-shaming quotes” have also seen significant growth. This shift in focus reflects the desire of users to engage with positive and empowering content rather than negative body images and diet advertisements.
As we move forward, it’s clear that no one logs into Pinterest or any social media platform to encounter body-shaming or intrusive diet ads. This decisive action by Pinterest is a commendable step, and we hope that more platforms will adopt similar policies.
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Summary
Pinterest has officially banned all weight loss advertisements to create a more supportive environment for users, guided by insights from the National Eating Disorders Association. This policy prohibits not only weight loss language but also any imagery or testimonials related to weight loss. Pinterest’s initiative aims to promote body positivity and healthy lifestyles without the pressure of diet culture.