Reader TTS

Instagram has apologized after a new search function on the app reportedly promoted harmful dieting terms to users with eating disorders.  The app’s new function provides suggested topics

when users tap on the search bar. Those suggestions cover a variety of topics including "healing sounds," "home office" or "oil painting." However, Instagram --

which is owned by Facebook -- also reportedly suggested terms like "fasting" and "appetite suppressants" to some users, BBC reported.  A Facebook spokesperson confirmed

to Fox News that Instagram’s search bar recommendations no longer suggest terms related to weight loss.  ‘SHORT SHORTS’ FOR MEN GETS APPLAUDED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS THE TREND MAKES A COMEBACK

"To help people discover content they’re interested in, we recently rolled out a new way to search on Instagram beyond hashtags and usernames, where you tap on the search bar and we

suggest topics you may want to search for," the spokesperson told Fox News in a statement.  Instagram has apologized after a new search function on the app reportedly promoted dieting

terms such as "fasting" and "appetite suppressants" to some users. (iStock) "Those suggestions, as well as the search results themselves, are limited to general

interests," the spokesperson added. "Weight loss should not have been one of them and we’ve taken steps to prevent these terms from appearing here. We’re sorry for any confusion

caused."  CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP  According to BBC, Instagram resolved the issue with recommended terms on Monday. U.K.-based influencer Lauren Black is in recovery from

anorexia and told BBC that Instagram often promotes things like calorie counting and diet methods on her feed. "I could be triggered by this imagery and language and have a

relapse," she told the network.  "I know there are extremely helpful posts including what I create for others," she added. "But the triggering imagery should be stopped

because I don’t want to be bombarded on how to lose weight." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER In February, Instagram announced that it was developing ways to support

people with eating disorders or who struggle with negative body image by working with experts and community leaders. The company said it does not allow content "that promotes or

encourages self-harm and eating disorders," though it does allow people to tell their own stories of recovery and body acceptance. FASHION BRAND ASOS PRAISED FOR FEATURING MODEL WITH

COCHLEAR IMPLANT IN EARRING AD According to that announcement, Instagram blurs photos that may be triggering and provides helpful resources -- including hotlines and advice -- to people who

may be struggling with body image issues. Ann W. Schmidt is an associate on Fox Business' Strategic Initiatives team.