Facebook removes 'feeling fat' from status options

Facebook has removed the status option "feeling fat" after an online petition said the option and its double-chinned emoji encouraged "negative body image among girls."

The campaign group Endangered Bodies criticized Facebook for offering "fat" as an option for emotions, along with "peaceful," "discouraged" and "empty." 

"Fat is not a feeling. Fat is a natural part of our bodies, no matter their weight," the petition said. It has received more than 16,700 signatures, surpassing its goal of 15,000. 

Now, instead of feeling "fat," Facebook now offers "stuffed," with the same emoji face as the icon. 

In a statement, Facebook said the change was based on feedback from users. 

"We’ve heard from our community that listing 'feeling fat' as an option for status updates could reinforce negative body image, particularly for people struggling with eating disorders," a statement from Facebook read.

"So we’re going to remove 'feeling fat' from the list of options. We’ll continue to listen to feedback as we think about ways to help people express themselves on Facebook," it said. 

The author of the petition, Catherine Weingarten, was encouraged by the news.