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• 1 in 3 Brits prepared to end a relationship over size jibes
• Half are too insecure about their bodies to be intimate with a partner
• Positive approach proven to help women achieve their weight goals

London, UK. January 2014– New research released today by Special K reveals that ‘fat talk’ – the negative comments we make criticising our bodies and others’ – is wreaking havoc with our relationships. It’s no secret that thinking positively is important to getting in shape, yet more than two thirds (70%) of British women admit they ‘fat talk’ and criticise their body with their partners at least once a day.

A third (37%) would be prepared to end a relationship over jibes directed at them by a partner, whilst more than half (54%) said they feel too insecure about their bodies to be intimate with partners who ‘fat talk’ incessantly. The study of 1,001 UK adults was commissioned by Special K to highlight the impact of size jibes and shift the conversation around weight to a more positive one.

The research revealed that celebrities can have a positive influence on our perception of body image.  Adele, Beyoncé and Kelly Brook are held up as the most inspirational women when it comes to banishing ‘fat talk’ and embracing a positive state of mind about their body shapes.  Other celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss and Karl Lagerfeld – who famously criticised Adele’s weight – were named by respondents as the most negative shape role models.

Positivity Psychology Coach Miriam Akhtar explained the need to break the cycle of fat talk: “As many of us head into the New Year carrying a few extra pounds, it is natural to feel extra sensitive about our appearance.  At this time of year it’s important to remind ourselves and our loved ones that a positive approach can pay dividends when it comes to getting in shape.”

Social media was highlighted as helping ‘fat talk’ to thrive.  Two thirds (63%) of Brits believe social networks exacerbate the problem, and one in five (22%) de-tag themselves in photos for fear of sizeist comments.  Some Brits are embracing the #belfie however – a #selfie of the bottom popularized by Kim Kardashian – with a third (29%) prepared to post one free from worry.

“Our brains are naturally wired to focus more on the negative than the positive, so we need to work that bit harder to train our minds to appreciate our best assets”, Miriam continued.

To help, Special K has commissioned Miriam to create a Positivity Plan which reveals the simple steps for a life free from negativity.  Special K also offers a variety of delicious food options for a balanced diet including cereal, porridge, cereal bars and cracker crisps.

Additional report findings: 

• ‘Fat talk’ is also affecting our relationships with family, friends and colleagues
• A third (36%) of Brits would cut off friends who ‘fat talk’ about them
• Negative comments made by colleagues would affect the performance of almost half (44%) of us
• One fifth (21%) would resign if they overheard colleagues making negative remarks about their weight
• Two thirds (70%) believe newspapers and magazines should stop ‘fat talking’ about celebrities
• Two in five (18%) would fat talk in front of their children to encourage them to stay in shape