Words hurt…fat-shaming leads to people hating their own bodies

“…no human can tame the tongue. It is unruly and injurious…” James 3:8

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me” How many times have you said that as kid deflect any bullying that was directed at you?

According to a recent study conducted by Griffith University, names can hurt. The research focused on how How fat-shaming leads to people hating their own bodies.

Experiencing negative stereotypes about being overweight leads people to internalise that negativity and believe it, which then leads to developing a sense of shame about their own body, according to the research.

The study also found that when people experienced weight stigma they became less kind to themselves and were more likely to develop feelings of loneliness and psychological distress.

The study suggests that both internalising stigma and self-compassion play a role in determining the impact body shaming has on overweight and obese individuals.