Pinterest updates ad policy to ban weight loss products and claims

Pinterest has updated its advertising policy to ban all beauty, health and wellness adverts featuring weight loss language and or imagery.

The move builds on the platform’s existing advertising policies that seek to prohibit body shaming and dangerous weight loss products or claims.

Pinterest’s updated adverting policy now bans any adverts featuring weight loss language or imagery, including ads for products that claim weight loss through something worn or applied to the skin.

It also prohibits any testimonials regarding weight loss or weight loss products, any language or imagery that idealises or denigrates certain body types and any references to Body Mass Index.

Adverts promoting healthy lifestyles and habits or fitness services and products will still be allowed, as long as they don’t focus on weight loss.

The policy change was developed with the guidance and advice of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).

Commenting on the change, NEDA Interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Thompson said: “NEDA is encouraged by this necessary step in prioritising the mental health and well-being of Pinners, especially those impacted by diet culture, body shaming, and eating disorders.

“We are hopeful this global policy will encourage other organisations and companies to reflect on potentially harmful ad messages and to establish their own working policies that will create meaningful change.”