Body image and weight loss drugs

An advert shown during this year’s Super Bowl has prompted a backlash on social media. In the ad, tennis champion Serena Williams promotes a weight loss injection, saying she is "healthier" thanks
to the product. Many fans have expressed disappointment that a woman associated with strength and body positivity, is now selling being thinner as the ideal.

So, is body positivity out and fat shaming back? In our conversations, we discuss the cultural pressure to lose weight now these drugs, known as GLP-1s, are widely available.

“I’ll tell people you are okay the way you are, and often I’ll get comments saying you are promoting being fat and everyone will get really ill,” says Emilia. “It’s so preposterous because these people don’t care about you and your health.”

GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, curb appetite and increase feelings of fullness so you eat less. We also bring together two men to share their experiences of using them.

Presenter: James Reynolds
BBC producers: Isabella Bull, Iqra Farooq and Luke Hastings
Boffin Media producer: Richard Hollingham
Editors: Arja Haikonen and Harriet Oliver

BBC Conversations is produced in partnership with BBC Outside Source, which is broadcast on the BBC World Service weekdays 1600-1800 GMT. It is a Boffin Media production for BBC World Service.

Photo: Emilia Gordon who features in this episode. Credit: Emilia Gordon)