MEDA’s Statement on WW’s App Kurbo

MEDA’s Statement on WW’s App Kurbo

Dieting is dangerous—no matter your age.

Here at MEDA, we are seeing younger and younger people with concerns about body image, disordered eating habits, and a constant preoccupation with food, body, and exercise.

We are saddened and angry with WW for encouraging young children to focus on food morality, weight, and BMI through the use of their newly launched app, Kurbo. We stand with those who have voiced their concern and echo their thoughts: health is more than physical.

By encouraging people to focus on physical health—especially weight—we are contributing to an appearance obsessed culture that fails to accept and respect all body sizes and often neglects mental health.

This app does not recognize the multitude of factors that contribute to a person’s overall health, or normalize weight gain as a necessary and healthy part of child development and puberty. Children who grow up in households where weight is a common topic of conversation—which this app promotes–are at an increased risk for unhealthy attitudes and behaviors around food and body.

Research shows that weight stigma is linked to a decrease in both physical and mental health—often leading to depression and low self-esteem. Eating disorders and disordered eating habits are serious and can be life-threatening—and they affect people of all body sizes, races, genders, ages, and socioeconomic statuses.

We ask that you carefully consider the various risks and the emotional harm that come along with these types of tracking apps before using or suggesting to others.

MEDA continues to work with professionals, clients, and the community at large to further educate about the dangers of dieting in order to support those in their recovery and prevent others from struggling with disordered eating and body image issues.