Petition to Outlaw Weight-Loss Supplement Commercials

The Goal. To raise public confidence by banning the promotion of weight loss products.

The Problem. Commercialsthat promote “weight-loss supplements” do so in a manner that is detrimental to our self-esteem. They show viewers nearly impossible body ideals and make them believe that they are unattractive if they don’t have the same body type. This false portrayal of what a healthy body looks like is silently affecting the public’s self-esteem, mental health, and general well-being.

And as if it wasn’t enough that these commercials tell people the wrong idea about body image, they also lie about the products they promote. Not only are these “supplements” ineffective; they are also far from being natural, despite the manufacturers’ claims.

The Solution. Body imagehas a significant impact on our self-confidence and the way we interact with society. There are real and serious weight-related health issues, but to promote unattainable body ideals through popular media isn’t helping anyone.  Instead, commercials should focus on the importance of healthy lifestyle. Weight-loss “products” just don’t deliver on their promise; and promoting them on TV and on magazines using unattainable body ideals should be outlawed.

If TV, print, and social media advertisements would just stop pushing the idea of what a healthy body “should” look like, the world would be a better place.