Why Women 'Fat Talk,' According To Study

Since this self-degrading chitchat has become common to women, Canada's National Post reports that researchers at the University of Ottawa studied what triggers fat talk using the self-determination theory. While some are motivated by physical attractiveness and social status that make up the extrinsic factors, some people, on the other hand, are driven by health and personal well-being comprising the intrinsic factors.

Involving 453 female college students, Ottawa researchers have discovered that those who engage in fat talk are most likely driven by extrinsic factors, adding that those who are motivated by physical appearance could also be linked to lower self-esteem, anxiety, higher depression and punitive exercising and dieting.

This remains true according to another research, as reported by Live Science, suggesting that women who participate in fat talk are most likely in need for reassurance.

"Females like to support one another and fat talk elicits support," said study co-author Denise Martz of Appalachian State University. "An example would be one saying, 'It's like, I'm so fat today,' and another would respond, 'No, you are not fat, you look great in those pants.'"

While women could become really cruel in criticizing their own looks, some would choose to ask a friend for a kinder judgment. Martz pointed out, however, that it is best for women to be more confident for who they are and what they look like and shift their focus to more important matters.

"I wish women would worry less about their bodies-while still taking good care of their health through behaviors like stress management, regular exercise and healthful eating."

Martz added that women should instead spend more time learning, educating, helping others and becoming good influences and contributors to society.