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Instagram Is Restricting Weight Loss and Cosmetic Surgery-Promoting Posts And It's About Time

Instagram Is Restricting Weight Loss and Cosmetic Surgery-Promoting Posts And It's About Time

Now users under 18 will be presented with a blank box and a 'restriction' message in place of offending adverts.

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara Sheppard

It seems crazy that in this age of body positivity and mental health advocacy, teens can still easily scroll down their Instagram feeds and see celebrities advertising shady diet products.

However that may all be about to change.

Instagram announced today that it would be restricting posts promoting cosmetic surgery and diet products for people under the age of 18.

With influencer marketing rife, the social media platform is hoping to protect their vulnerable users against the weight loss products the people they follow are wheeling.

What's more, for all ages, Instagram will be monitoring for posts that pedal products that have bogus or unrealistic claims, and taking down offenders.

Instagram public policy manager Emma Collins said in a statement: "We want Instagram to be a positive place for everyone that uses it and this policy is part of our ongoing work to reduce the pressure that people can sometimes feel as a result of social media."

The Kardashians are known to post sponsored content with brands such as Flat Tummy Co. and FitTea, which sell meal replacements and dietary products such as shakes, teas and lollipops.

Actress Jameela Jamil has been been outspoken on the topic, calling out the family on multiple occasions.

In response to the news, she said: After a bunch of shouting, screaming, and petitioning... we have managed to get the attention of the people at the top, and they have heard us and want to protect us."

She added: "I've been working with Instagram all year towards this, who were amazing to deal with, and they expressed that they passionately care about creating a safer space for us all online.

"This happened so much faster than I expected and I'm so proud and happy and relieved."

The changes mean that users under 18 will be presented with a blank box and a 'restriction' message in feeds, in place of offending content.

It's not yet clear if teens who want to get around the restrictions can easily change their birthday on the app, but it's still great progress.

Kudos, Instagram.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/KylieJenner

Topics: Life News, News