Why body-shaming hurts Filipinos’ mental health

The phrase “Ang taba mo” has long been a fixture in Filipino social interactions, commonly surfacing in family reunions, neighborhood gatherings, and even casual conversations between acquaintances. Although often uttered without obvious malice, this seemingly benign remark has deeper implications when viewed through the lens of recent findings on body image and mental health.

- 

A newly released survey conducted by Arkipelago Analytics highlights a troubling pattern, revealing that over half of young adults aged 18–24 in the Philippines experience negative self-perception that adversely affects their well-being. While multiple factors contribute to these sentiments—including the influence of social media and the proliferation of global beauty standards—the everyday comments exchanged in Filipino households and social settings also appear to play a substantial role in shaping body image.

The persistence of “Ang taba mo” as an accepted form of discourse can be traced to certain cultural norms that value frankness and familial familiarity. In many Filipino households, conversations surrounding weight gain or loss have traditionally been viewed as ordinary observations, sometimes even interpreted as signs of affection. Historically, such remarks might have been linked to indicators of health or prosperity, especially in contexts where food scarcity or limited resources could shape perceptions of body size. However, in contemporary times, when exposure to international media and an ever-expanding digital sphere is common, the interpretation of these remarks has taken on new dimensions. What was once viewed as a casual statement may now be perceived as criticism, potentially triggering self-doubt, insecurity, or shame.