Internet divided over free Weight Watchers program for teens
The international weight loss organisation has vowed to assist with teens making the right health choices by offering free programs, but many don't seem too happy about the decision.
Listen as KZN reacts to the organisation giving free programs to teenagers in the podcast, then read more below:
With the fashion and entertainment industry pushing super-thin stars serving as role models, it's no wonder that many young people don't like what they see when they look in the mirror.
Read: Should celebrities be seen as role models for our kids?
Although girls are 10 times more likely to develop eating disorders, some boys engage in dangerous dieting too.
So in this day and age, where these teenagers are obsessed with their weight and looking good, international weight loss company Weight Watchers is providing free memberships to people under the age of 18.
According to Teen Vogue, the weight loss company is launching a new program for teens between the ages of 13 and 17, with an aim to promote the 'development of healthy habits at a critical life stage'.
Read: Weight loss at the touch of a button
The brand took to their Twitter account to release a statement announcing the program, even adding that they have heard the call from the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and take their responsibility seriously.
— Weight Watchers (@WeightWatchers) February 10, 2018
The decision has been met with mixed reaction. Some have said that although the brand wants to promote a healthy way of living, it could be doing more harm than good when it comes to body image.
Many took to Twitter to raise their concerns:
The true cost of the weight watchers proposed program for teens is a lifetime battle with disordered eating and poor body image. We are obligated to protect young people from this predatory marketing #wakeupweightwatchers
— Witchy all year 🌟 (@Lisarachnid) February 10, 2018
To anyone wondering why we’re tweeting about #WakeUpWeightWatchers : Scientific research has shown that putting kids on diets and commenting on their weight puts them at risk of #eatingdisorders and a lifetime of behaviors FAR worse for their health than being at a high weight.
— Christy Harrison, RD (@chr1styharrison) February 10, 2018
Teens, the problem is not your body or the way you eat. The problem is society & the way it views bigger bodies. There is no wrong way to have a body. You are perfect just as you are, don’t let profit driven diet companies tell you otherwise @WeightWatchers #WakeUpWeightWatchers
— Rebecca Flynn (@flynnfluencer) February 10, 2018
#wakeupweightwatchers - Weight Watchers now marketing to teens whose bodies are still growing and organs are still forming and who are at greatest risk developmentally for eating disorders. Nothing good can come from this, but serious, life-threatening illnesses can. @Oprah https://t.co/PllE3NJNHP
— Dr. Margo Maine (@drmargomaine) February 13, 2018
Research shows that dieting in teenage years can lead to disordered eating in later life. A childhood nutrition expert has also said that a child's relationship with food can be altered if placed on a calorie-restricted diet, news.com.au reports.
Eating right and watching your weight in a group does bring people together and it promotes an atmosphere of sharing, making you feel like you’re not alone.
But when it comes to teens, can the same be said for them? There have been many reports of overweight teens who struggle with body positivity and self-esteem issues. Shouldn't it be the parents' responsibility to guide the choices of their teens?
As a parent, would you be all for or completely against a weight loss company giving your child a free program?