The Argument For the Essay
I agree with Afshan Jafar’s article because it emphasizes how praising people for being thin reinforces detrimental ideals on body image. While punishment in the form of fat-shaming is often harmful to an individual’s self-esteem, positive reinforcement in the form of praise for a thin body is worse. In the end, detrimental views and practices regarding beauty and body image prevail (Jafar 68). I was drawn to this article because society’s narrow definition of the ideal body type has caused my friends endless agony as they strive to achieve a thin physique. In addition, a majority of media outlets and social influencers equate being thin to being healthy. It is vital to point out that not all thin individuals are healthy, and not all fat people are unhealthy. In addition, fat people who engage in exercise are often healthier than thin individuals who do not work out.
Thin praising is fundamentally identical to fat-shaming because it emphasizes the negative attributes associated with being fat. It is often assumed that fat individuals are lazy, unhealthy, and unattractive. There is a prevalent belief that these individuals constantly make bad choices, unlike their thin counterparts who work hard to maintain a petite physique (Jafar 68). I agree with the emphasis on the fact that praising thin people is more detrimental than fat-shaming. Overweight individuals often feel like they do not fit in because even though they may not be targeted by fat-shaming comments, the praise given to their thinner colleagues serve to ostracize them. It is vital to note that while efforts to lose weight should be encouraged, offering praise and media attention to individuals who achieve society’s definition of the ideal body must be discouraged.
The Claim-Driven Argument Against the Essay
It is essential to note that a majority of people in society desire to be acknowledged for their efforts. Gaining recognition for achieving a set goal often motivates individuals to improve. The aforementioned idea is highlighted in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs which highlights that in situations where basic needs are fulfilled, the desire for acceptance increases. Afshan Jafar is of the view that praising individuals for weight loss is as harmful as fat shaming. While fat-shaming is universally known to cause detrimental health effects, praising people for losing weight is in no way harmful. The following review will demonstrate the effectiveness of praise, its psychological benefits, and its ability to inspire healthy living.
It is vital to note that when people feel appreciated for losing weight, they feel safe and energized. It is vital to note that the pressures of urbanization and modernity significantly increase the risk of depression, which means there is a need to foster positivity through praise. A few important lessons are evident in the early education system. Kindergarten teachers place emphasis on praise in view of the fact that it reinforces positive behavior. It is critical to rationalize praise by offering specific details regarding the activity the individual succeeded at accomplishing. The person’s effort to lose weight must be praised in order to encourage them to maintain their new lifestyle.
Obesity is a challenging health problem for a number of nations across the world. According to the World Health Organization, global obesity has tripled since 1975, with approximately 1.9 billion people categorized as either overweight or obese in 2016 (Jane et al. 1). The health challenge has reached epidemic proportions, with an increasing number of individuals getting affected every year. The increase in the use and consumption of social media content provides an important avenue through which the issue can be addressed. The use of social media services to reach target groups has evolved into an art (Goldberger 74). Contrary to the views proposed by Afshan Jafar, praising individuals for losing weight is an effective way of ensuring others in a similar position take action and work towards improving their health. A systematic review of health information access revealed that social media has the ability to reach sections of the populations that are often isolated from medical promotions. Therefore, providing these audiences with a practical example of an individual that worked to lose weight for purposes of leading a healthy lifestyle is crucial.
Creating an interactive social media page where health professionals praise individuals for their achievements with regard to weight loss is critical. A trial conducted on Twitter that featured a Twitter-based social support program demonstrated an association between the degree of usage and weight loss (Jane et al. 5). The emotional support the participants offered each other was instrumental in ensuring that the people stuck to the program and achieved statistically significant results. It is worth noting that the praise offered to individuals as they lost weight served to bolster their confidence and inspire dedication. Weight loss programs that utilize social media platforms encourage the exchange of social support, which helps participants achieve their set goals and objectives.
It is vital to note that praise boosts self-esteem in addition to encouraging autonomy. In addition, it provides incentives for engaging in the task in question. In this case, praising an individual for losing weight will prompt them to engage in exercise and eat healthy, which is essential for their overall wellbeing. There are specific steps that should be taken when praising an individual for achieving a normal body weight. First, the feedback must be immediate if its effects are to be reflected in the individual’s life. In addition, specificity is key so that the individual understands why their efforts are being appreciated. It is also essential to avoid mixing positive and negative feedback if confusion is to be avoided. Finally, it is vital to frame the achievement in the context of the bigger picture. For instance, losing weight not only makes the individual look better but also ensures longevity by promoting health.
The most effective form of praise is contingent praise that is given when the desired behavior is observed. It is particularly effective in dealing with behavioral problems at an individual level. For instance, if an individual with poor eating habits is praised, the likelihood that they will adopt a healthier diet increases significantly. Process praise should also be encouraged in view of the fact that it encourages individuals to focus on remedies and identify new strategies to solve persistent problems (Glerum et al. 1270). It should be noted, however, that the effectiveness of praise is context-dependent. It is critical to avoid coming across as desperate or condescending when congratulating an individual after they lose weight.
There are numerous health benefits to achieving a normal weight. For instance, excessive weight in childhood predicts serious morbidities later in life, such as diabetes, malignancies, and heart disease (Brewis and Bruening 1). In addition, a large proportion of overweight individuals suffer from depression. A meta-analysis revealed that clinically obese adolescents had a 40% higher risk of developing depression (Brewis and Bruening 1). Therefore, efforts made by individuals to limit the risk of developing serious health complications in the future must be lauded.
It is critical to point out that fat-shaming is different from thin praise. The former has serious adverse effects on health while the latter promotes wellbeing. Presenters at the Canadian Obesity Summit note that fat-shaming is harmful in view of the fact that it promotes weight gain (Vogel 649). Fat-shaming leads to behavioral and psychological changes that are associated with poor metabolic health and increased weight. Increases in levels of cortisol due to the stress associated with dealing with fat-shaming comments lead to the loss of self-control and an increase in binge-eating. Praising thin individuals works in the opposite manner because it encourages individuals to continue working towards achieving their desired weight.
Individuals who lose weight should be praised because their efforts have numerous health benefits. Losing between 5-10% of body weight leads to significant improvements in blood pressure, blood sugars, and cholesterol (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This prevents ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition, praise goes a long way in helping obese individuals overcome negative body image issues. Studies have consistently demonstrated the fact that a positive body image is inextricably linked to higher self-esteem (Katz). Therefore, praising an individual who has lost weight helps boost self-esteem and reinforces positive perceptions of body image.
Afshan Jafar’s assertion that praising thin people promotes detrimental health outcomes is untrue. While thin people are susceptible to illness, overweight and obese individuals stand a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases that are often difficult to manage. A number of health professionals and research studies advocate for the attainment of physiologically ideal weight to ensure illnesses are kept at bay. It is also essential to note that for a majority of individuals diagnosed as obese overweight, specific lifestyle choices are the primary causes of their illness. Most affected individuals lead sedentary lifestyles with very little physical activity. In addition, their diets are often filled with processed foods, sugar, and preservatives, which lead to abnormal weight gain. Their refusal to change their habits leads to depression which is oftentimes characterized by increased feeding and further isolation. The vicious cycle continues, and it becomes increasingly difficult to lose weight.
It is evident that losing weight is a difficult and often frustrating endeavor. Breaking the cycle of unhealthy habits often requires significant effort. Therefore, it is important to praise individuals who have worked hard to achieve normal body weight. The recognition is critical because it helps prevent relapses and ensures that affected individuals adopt a healthy lifestyle. In addition, the efforts serve to motivate others facing a similar challenge. Witnessing the praise offered to an individual who has successfully lost weight motivates overweight and obese individuals to make changes in their lives. Even though Afshan Jafar’s views bear some truth, they fail to highlight the positive psychological impact of praise and the overall effect it has on individuals struggling to lose weight. The thin bodies they see on social media and the real stories of weight loss inspire them to make important life changes.
Works Cited
Brewis, Alexandra A., and Meg Bruening. “Weight Shame, Social Connection, and Depressive Symptoms in Late Adolescence.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 15, no. 5, 2018, pp. 1–12, Web.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Losing Weight: Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity . 2020.
Glerum, Jaap, et al. “The Effects of Praise for Effort versus Praise for Intelligence on Vocational Education Students.” Educational Psychology, vol. 40, no. 10, Routledge, pp. 1270–86, Web.
Goldberger, Paul. “Disconnected Urbanism.” Arguing About Literature: A Guide and a Reader, edited by John Schilb and John Clifford, Macmillan Learning, 2020, pp. 74-75.
Jafar, Afshan. “Not a Fan of Fat Shaming? Stop Thin Praising.” Arguing About Literature: A Guide and a Reader, edited by John Schilb and John Clifford, Macmillan Learning, 2020, pp. 67-68.
Jane, Monica, et al. “Social Media for Health Promotion and Weight Management: A Critical Debate.” BMC Public Health, vol. 18, no. 1, 2018, pp. 1–7, Web.
Katz, Shirley. “Body Image.” GoodTherapy, 2019.
Vogel, Lauren. “Fat Shaming Is Making People Sicker and Heavier.” Cmaj, vol. 191, no. 23, 2019, p. 649, Web.