Where it started:
Last February, Weight Watchers announced they’d be offering free memberships to teens.
BALANCE eating disorder treatment center™ responded with the launch of our #WakeUpWeightWatchers campaign.
Thousands all over the world joined together to speak up. The #WakeUpWeightWatchers hashtag was trending Worldwide on Twitter and brought attention to the dangerous teen program with media coverage from Teen Vogue, NY Post, Cosmopolitan Magazine, BuzzFeed, The New York Times, and many more.
Ultimately, Weight Watchers postponed the launch of the free program. Yet, knowing this won’t be the first or last time a weight loss company tries to prey on children for profit, our team wanted to continue our campaign by creating a valuable free resource for teens and their families.
We strongly believe that finding and providing a life of freedom outside of diet culture should not be a privilege.
The purpose of the E-book:
In an effort to continue educating teens, families and the general population about the dangers of diet culture, we brought together nearly 150 experts and advocates to create ‘Redefining Wellness,’ a free downloadable resource for teens that provides information on living happier, healthier lives without an emphasis on weight loss.
What is the goal of the e-Book?
The main goal of the ‘Redefining Wellness’ e-Book is to provide people of all genders, racial and ethnic identities, nationalities and documentation status, abilities, sizes, and socioeconomic backgrounds with reliable information that focuses on wellness, not weight loss.
Learn more about the project here.
What’s Inside the Redefining Wellness e-Book?
Learn why diets don’t work
Identify Diet Culture and fight it
Tips to let go of the Diet Mentality
All about Intuitive Eating
What Weight Stigma & Fatphobia are
Benefits of the Health at Every Size approach
How to accept your body as it is
Tips on finding self-worth outside of appearance
How to deal with the pressures of social media
How to stay mindful and take care of yourself
Moving your body joyfully (not to burn calories!)
Information on eating disorder symptoms
Recovery tips for those struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating habits
Lists of resources to help you on your journey to true wellness
AND a ton of information specifically curated for parents, guardians & caretakers!