Fat-Shaming and Gyms: Are Your Ads Triggers?

Are you an accidental fat-shamer?

On July 1, Pinterest released a press release banning weight-loss testimonials, products and before-and-after pictures.  Pinterest isn't the only company to move in that direction; online, the debate rages: If you're selling nutrition and fitness coaching, are you body shaming? Or helping people get what they want?

It's a complex subject, so Two-Brain Radio host Mike Warkentin brought in an expert, psychotherapist Bonnie Skinner.

In this episode, she explains how triggers — like before-and-after pictures — work, the difference between self-worth and weight, and how gym owners can use language to clarify exactly what they're selling.

Links:

Drink O2
Level Method
Gym Owners United

Timeline:

2:17 – What’s the problem with before-and-after pictures?

4:19 – What happens beneath the surface when someone looks at your ad.

6:33 – “Nobody can make you feel anything.”

9:25 – Self-efficacy and self-improvement. 

10:59 – The messages we’re sending our brains.

13:19 – How to connect with people without triggering shame.

16:57 – How to advertise weight loss.

20:53 – Responding to backlash. 

23:26 – How to use before-and-after pictures responsibly.

26:16 – What are you actually selling?

31:54 – All about reframing.