What is Fat Talk and Why Fat Talk Free® Week:
Fat Talk describes all of the statements made in everyday conversation that reinforce the thin-ideal standard of female beauty and contribute to women's dissatisfaction with their bodies. Examples of fat talk may include: "I'm so fat," "Do I look fat in this?" "I need to lose 10 pounds" and "She's too fat to be wearing that swimsuit." Statements that are considered fat talk don't necessarily have to be negative; they can seem positive yet also reinforce the need to be thin - "You look great! Have you lost weight?"
Nearly 10 million women are dealing with eating disorders in this country, which is more than are suffering from breast cancer. Tri Delta's partnership with Dr. Carolyn Becker has positioned the organization as a leader in the discussion, changing the conversation to create a more positive body image for women everywhere!
Fat Talk Free Week, an extension of Reflections: Body Image Program, is an international campaign designed to engage members, campuses and communities in the conversation. Tri Delta is leading the way, taking a stance and declaring that it's time we take control over our own destinies, our own bodies, and our own inner dialogues.
Why Tri Delta Supports the Cause to End Fat Talk:
In 1888, at a time when women were not permitted to vote, and few women were found in the workplace or at formerly all-male universities, Tri Delta Founder, Sarah Ida Shaw saw a need for a women's group which would be different from others. She sought to create a society that would be kind to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance.
Today, nearly 125 years later, the purpose of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity is to establish a perpetual bond of friendship among its members, to develop a stronger and more womanly character, to broaden the moral and intellectual life, and to assist its members in every possible way.
Fat Talk Free Week, reconfirms Tri Delta's commitment to their founder's vision, to the hope of a lasting organization that celebrates a woman's inner beauty and character and fosters friendship and inner growth in women.
Why You Should Support the Fight to End Fat Talk:
Body image dissatisfaction is not just a sorority issue or a collegiate issue. It is not even simply a women's issue. It is a societal issue. In 2004 and 2005 a study done by Harvard University asked women how they perceived themselves. When asked if they considered themselves beautiful, only 2% said yes. That is only 64 out of 3,200 women.
We need your help to Change the Conversation and spread the word on this important cause. Take the Pledge and Declare to End Fat Talk today.
Want to learn more about the cause? Check out our YouTube
Channel to view more videos about how to End Fat Talk
Want to learn more about the impact of the cause and our 2010 efforts? Click here to see how many people we are impacting.