by Rebecca Puhl
A few weeks ago, several companies, including Target and Forever 21, announced their decision to launch plus-size clothing lines for teen girls. When so many girls struggle with negative body image, it’s nice to know that those who are also struggling with their weight will now have some additional options of finding clothes that feel good and look good for diverse body types.
What’s concerning to me is that recent hype surrounding this story is leading some to suggest that providing plus-size clothing will only “encourage” obesity and “accessorize” a national health crisis in teenagers.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to come across this kind of perspective – the view that if we don’t “punish” people for being overweight, or humiliate them by providing few options for clothes that fit appropriately, somehow they will be “let off the hook.” This viewpoint is troubling in many respects, and it’s also simply wrong. We know from research studies in both children and adults that stigmatizing or shaming individuals because of their weight does not lead to weight loss or healthy lifestyle behaviors. In fact, doing so has the opposite effect – those who feel stigmatized because of their weight are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors and avoid physical activity (not to mention a range of negative emotional consequences including depression and suicidality). As a clinical psychologist who has worked with many people struggling with their weight, I know that individuals are much more likely to be successful in making healthy lifestyle changes if they have self-confidence and a positive self-image.
For girls especially, whose bodies are so heavily scrutinized in our culture, and who are expected to conform to unrealistic, unhealthy, stringent ideals of physical attractiveness, it is particularly important to find ways to foster positive self-esteem. Girls deserve to feel good in their clothes, regardless of what size is on the tag. Wearing a shirt or dress that fits and is fashionable does not erase one’s memory of their body weight, nor does it provide immunity to the societal stigma and prejudice that is already so pervasive and damaging. Instead, it may give them a little bit of confidence to face the reality of stigmatizing messages awaiting them when they step outside to start their day.
by Rebecca Puhl
A few weeks ago, several companies, including Target and Forever 21, announced their decision to launch plus-size clothing lines for teen girls. When so many girls struggle with negative body image, it’s nice to know that those who are also struggling with their weight will now have some additional options of finding clothes that feel good and look good for diverse body types.
What’s concerning to me is that recent hype surrounding this story is leading some to suggest that providing plus-size clothing will only “encourage” obesity and “accessorize” a national health crisis in teenagers.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to come across this kind of perspective – the view that if we don’t “punish” people for being overweight, or humiliate them by providing few options for clothes that fit appropriately, somehow they will be “let off the hook.” This viewpoint is troubling in many respects, and it’s also simply wrong. We know from research studies in both children and adults that stigmatizing or shaming individuals because of their weight does not lead to weight loss or healthy lifestyle behaviors. In fact, doing so has the opposite effect – those who feel stigmatized because of their weight are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors and avoid physical activity (not to mention a range of negative emotional consequences including depression and suicidality). As a clinical psychologist who has worked with many people struggling with their weight, I know that individuals are much more likely to be successful in making healthy lifestyle changes if they have self-confidence and a positive self-image.
For girls especially, whose bodies are so heavily scrutinized in our culture, and who are expected to conform to unrealistic, unhealthy, stringent ideals of physical attractiveness, it is particularly important to find ways to foster positive self-esteem. Girls deserve to feel good in their clothes, regardless of what size is on the tag. Wearing a shirt or dress that fits and is fashionable does not erase one’s memory of their body weight, nor does it provide immunity to the societal stigma and prejudice that is already so pervasive and damaging. Instead, it may give them a little bit of confidence to face the reality of stigmatizing messages awaiting them when they step outside to start their day.