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Taryn Brumfitt, the Founder of Body Image Movement and EMBRACE has something to say to Weight Watchers for daring to mess with our kids!

Weight Watchers is extending free memberships of their program to children as young as 13.

“Our goal is to help those who need healthy habits to develop them at this critical life-stage; this is not about dieting,” according to Kidspot a statement from Weight Watchers read.

“For a limited time around mid-year, teens will be able to join Weight Watchers for free and can continue their membership through age 17.

“They will be required to go to one of our meeting locations for their parent/guardian to provide consent, as we know a family-based approach is critical at this age.

“We have and will continue to talk with healthcare professionals about specific criteria and guidelines as we get ready to launch this program. We think there’s a real opportunity to make an impact on a problem that is not currently being addressed effectively.”

Weight Watchers get your eyes off our kids…

“As the Founder of The Body Image Movement and mother to three children I am in disbelief that Weight Watchers have announced a free membership for teenagers. Our kids don’t need to be on the scales, our kids don’t need to be counting calories or points, our kids need to be encouraged to listen to their bodies through intuitive eating and moving their bodies for fun and pleasure not punishment,” says Taryn.

“Weight Watchers says “It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle” but no matter how you spin it, dieting is defined as calorie restriction with the goal of weight loss, it’s what Weight Watchers is all about. The diet culture promotes shame and fear, misery and disappointment, the scales are no place for our teenagers. Diets don’t work.”

Taryn says to all parents out there wanting to raise healthy and empowered children, removed the scales from your home. Ban all diet talk. Don’t refer to good and bad foods. Be a positive role model and never speak negatively about your body in front of the kids.

Only last week we shared concerns for boys over the rising number of teens suffering body image issues. Read more HERE>

If you, or anyone you know is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns you can call the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 or visit their website www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au for more information.

 

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  • Some teens suffer from self-esteem because they aren’t “as big” as others too.
    If a teen is considered over weight they should be encouraged to avoid food and drinks known to cause weight increase and other medical problems.

    Reply

  • Just another trigger to give teens low esteem and bad self body image!

    Reply

  • I’m not a fan of WW and don’t think their recipes are healthy.
    While I do think that some young kids and teenagers are overweight or obese, I believe a healthy diet with normal amounts of foods and plenty of activity is the way to go.


    • My daughter is 13yrs old and sometimes when I watch her peers I’m shocked about how many teens are overweight and eat a massive amount of junk. Personal I do think it’s good when our kids get educated about health in all it’s facets (mental, psychological, physical, social) and I see health, nutrition and exercise as part of that, not calorie counting !

    Reply

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