Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in
Campaigners say the adverts make people feel ‘inadequate’
Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile
The new feature allows users to limit the adverts
Instagram has quietly updated its content controls to allow users to limit weight loss adverts on their feeds.
The change, which allows users to customise the suggested content on their homepage, comes after the social media platform was criticised for allowing “triggering” and “dangerous” adverts to go unchecked.
Instagram said users will be able to “control the amount of sensitive content and accounts you see in Search, Reels, Accounts You Might Follow, Hashtag Pages and In-Feed Recommendations”.
Users can limit weight loss adds from their feeds in four simple steps. Head to “settings” and click “ad”. Then click “ad topics”, and type in “body weight control” in the search bar. Lastly select “see less”.
Instagram said users who select “see less” won’t get “as many ads” about the topic, but it does not state it would remove the adverts completely.
The news comes after Instagram influencer Katie Budenberg launched a petition asking Instagram to take action against these adverts on the platform.
The campaign, which received more than 30,000 signatures, said weight-loss adverts made people feel “inadequate”.
“To some, these ads may be harmless and they can scroll on but for some these ads are triggering and dangerous,” Budenberg said.
“This is why we are asking that Instagram adds the option to not see weight-loss ads; this setting already exists for other potentially triggering topics, such as alcohol and parenting, and should be extended to weight-loss.
“This setting would make Instagram a safer, and therefore a more inclusive, place for those with a history of disordered eating and/or body image issues.”
The change to Instagram comes a little over a year after Pinterest prohibited all weight loss adverts from its website.
“It’s an expansion of our ad policies that have long prohibited body shaming and dangerous weight loss products or claims,” Pinterest said in an announcement.
“We encourage others in the industry to do the same and acknowledge, once and for all, that there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all.”
Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism
By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists
{{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}
By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Already have an account? sign in
By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Registration is a free and easy way to support our truly independent journalism
By registering, you will also enjoy limited access to Premium articles, exclusive newsletters, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists
{{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}
By clicking ‘Create my account’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Already have an account? sign in
By clicking ‘Register’ you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use, Cookie policy and Privacy notice.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy policy and Terms of service apply.
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
The new feature allows users to limit the adverts
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in
Or if you would prefer: