Does anyone like a “Fat Talker?”

The answer: not really.

So who is a “fat talker?” According to Alexandra Corning, the director of Notre Dame’s Body Image and Eating Disorder Lab, a “fat talker” is a girl or woman who engages in self-disparaging remarks about her body, regardless of whether or not she is overweight. Corning’s study found that peers rated women who made “fat talk” statements about their bodies less likeable and rated women who made positive  statements about their bodies more likeable. What is shocking is that “fat talk” is commonly thought of as a strategy for women to strengthen social bonds. Corning’s research finding reveals the truth about how women are perceived when they engage in negative talks about themselves; “fat talk” has the opposite effect of building friendship. In the near future, researchers hope that this valuable information could be used to help educate women and reduce “fat talkers” on college campuses. So the next time someone gives you a compliment, accept it with a smile and love yourself.