If You’re Struggling with Body Positivity, Ask Yourself These Questions

Summary

The article encourages individuals struggling with body positivity to challenge societal standards by asking reflective questions that emphasize the functionality and personal value of their bodies, independent of size or shape.

Abstract

The article "If You’re Struggling with Body Positivity, Ask Yourself These Questions" addresses the societal pressures imposed by diet culture and body shaming, advocating for a shift in perspective towards self-acceptance. It underscores that health cannot be judged solely by body size and that bodies come in diverse forms, each with unique functions and abilities. The piece suggests that negative body image benefits those who profit from insecurities, such as the diet industry, rather than individuals themselves. It encourages readers to recognize aspects they appreciate about their bodies, to understand that physical appearance is not a measure of personal worth, and to redirect their focus towards more meaningful aspects of life. The article concludes by reassuring readers of their strength and reminding them that their value is not determined by their body size.

Opinions

The purpose of our bodies is not solely to meet societal beauty standards but to allow us to live and engage in activities we enjoy.
The diet industry and BMI scale are criticized for promoting unrealistic body standards and for being financially motivated rather than health-focused.
Body positivity should not be ableist; it's acceptable to have a neutral view of one's body and recognize that one's worth is not tied to physical abilities or attributes.
Negative self-image is detrimental to both individuals and their communities, as it perpetuates a cycle of insecurity and dissatisfaction.
Emphasizing the importance of shifting focus from body size to personal qualities, achievements, and experiences can lead to a more fulfilling life.
The article suggests that the true intent behind body shaming is often rooted in profit-driven motives rather than genuine concern for health and well-being.

If You’re Struggling with Body Positivity, Ask Yourself These Questions

With the pervasiveness of diet culture and body shaming, feeling body positive can be hard. The media and certain brands tell us that we’re not good enough as we are. They tell us we need to lose weight, that there is an “attainable perfect body” and that we should be ashamed of our looks and habits.

But those notions are so wrong.

Health can’t be determined simply by body size. People’s bodies are made differently and there’s no such thing as a “good” or “bad” body. Further, we are not “good” or “bad” people depending on what our body looks like.

When we begin to look into who’s telling us our bodies aren’t okay and why, we’ll understand the true intent behind these statements and the resulting implications.

When you’re struggling with body positivity, ask yourself the following questions:

What does my body allow me to do; what is my body’s function? It’s important to realize that the purpose of having a body is not to be more attractive. Bodies do so much for us and allow us to live and function to the best of their ability. Does your body help you engage in your favorite hobbies? Eat good food? Let you laugh and talk to loved ones? Asking questions like these are important. Just keep in mind that body positivity can also be ableist, and that it’s okay to feel neutral about your body. While it can be helpful to think about what your body can do, know that you have many other amazing qualities and that you deserve to be loved and accepted regardless of your abilities.

Who benefits from negative feelings about my body size? Certainly not you or your friends who hear you talk badly of your body! Talking negatively about your body’s shape or hearing others talk negatively about theirs makes everyone feel uncomfortable. Try talking about something else more positive, fun and helpful instead.

Who’s telling me my body isn’t okay as it is, and why? This one’s easy: marketers of diet products. People who profit off making you feel bad about yourself for no reason. The people who created the BMI scale were diet pill companies. And in 1997, medical experts changed the BMI number for “overweight” from 27 to 25 because they believed that number would be easier to remember. Overnight, 29 million people became overweight. We also know we can’t trust BMI because it doesn’t take muscle mass into account, in which it considers muscular people to be “overweight.” Reclaim yourself and your body, and ignore “science” that has no basis in fact and also was created to make you feel so bad about yourself that you’d spend money. The diet industry is worth over $72 billion.

What is something I love about my body? Your hair? The way you snort when you laugh? Your flexibility? The way you have the same shoe size as your friend and therefore can have twice as many shoe options? There’s so much to love, so just keep thinking and focusing on those aspects.

Is the way my body looks really that important? Your body size is the least interesting thing about you. Think about what’s more important, whether that’s enjoying a spontaneous Waffle House trip with friends at 2 a.m., the way you’re always there for your brother when he’s sad or how hard you work on new skills or school assignments. And think of it like this: “Your body is the frame and your personality is the painting. A frame doesn’t turn a bad painting into a good one, but if the painting is amazing, no one cares about the frame.”

Where else can I direct my thinking and energy? Focus on the conversations you’re having, what you can make for dinner or what steps you can take to achieve your dreams. Think about an interesting statement you overheard someone say, your favorite TikTok video or friends you haven’t seen in a while with whom you want to reconnect.

Body positivity can be tough, but so are you. Remember that your worth doesn’t come from your clothing size and that worrying too much about your body can hold you back from living a fulfilling life. Remember that people who say your body isn’t okay are the ones who make money from doing so or feel insecure about their own bodies. Over time, you’ll start to live a happier life.