Anti-Obesity Campaign

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUmp67YDlHY

The way the obesity epidemic is portrayed in this anti obesity campaign made me so upset and frustrated that I’d like to share this with all of you! The video focuses on food and reinforces the myth that obesity is caused by only one thing - eating too much. 

As we know obesity is a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, social and many other factors that are yet to be determined. It is important the complexity is recognized so someone doesn’t make assumptions just based on eating behavior. This leads to weight bias, as shown in the video.

The parent shames on their child for hiding binge-eating foods in the video by yelling “you can’t do this!”. This is exactly what shouldn’t be done; yet this video is promoting these negative attitudes and behaviors. Children who are teased and victimized are vulnerable to depression; anxiety, low self-esteem and poor self-esteem, which can take a huge toll on emotional well being. This additional increase in vulnerability to unhealthy eating behaviors may reinforce additional weight gain.  

The video also skews the way the epidemic should be looked at and adds to the common myths. It reveals polarized  “black” or “white” thinking. After watching this a viewer might feel that if they made a feeding mistake with their child they are hopeless for life. It can also make viewers think some foods are “good” while others are “bad”.

The video definitely draws attention to the obesity issue but in order to have a positive effect on childhood obesity, there shouldn’t be shocking, stigmatizing and promotion of dissonant thinking. It is not constructive for weight loss and has exactly the opposite effect! This video is a prime example of what we need to change in society. We need positive attitudes, compassion, mindfulness, modeling and less shame!