Summary

The author discusses the potential negative impacts of the body acceptance movement, particularly the normalization of obesity, which she argues is a disservice to public health.

Abstract

The article "Is There Such a Thing as “Toxic Body Acceptation?”" by Araci, a Portuguese writer, explores the evolution of societal views and technology, noting that while advancements have made life easier, they have also brought about new social challenges. Araci reflects on personal experiences with bullying and the societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. The piece then delves into the rise of body acceptance movements and the inclusion of plus-size models in media, which, while intended to foster confidence and combat bullying, may inadvertently promote an unhealthy acceptance of obesity. The author emphasizes that obesity, like anorexia, is a disease with serious health implications, and that while society should not shame individuals for their bodies, it should also not encourage an acceptance of obesity that ignores its health risks. The article concludes by advocating for informed choices and a balance between self-acceptance and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

Opinions

The author believes that the body acceptance movement can be toxic when it leads to the normalization of obesity, a condition that has significant health risks.
She argues that obesity should not be praised or seen as a "normal" role model, as it is a disease that can lead to severe health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and a reduced life expectancy.
The author suggests that the inclusion of plus-size models in advertising and media, while intended to be inclusive, may contribute to a dangerous acceptance of an unhealthy lifestyle.
She points out that self-acceptance does not equate to a healthy lifestyle and that society should not promote the acceptance of obesity.
The article emphasizes the importance of being informed and making healthy lifestyle choices, advocating for a balance between self-love and health consciousness.
The author cites an article from "The Reporter" to support her view that it is crucial to hold people accountable for influencing others to make unhealthy lifestyle choices, while also not shaming individuals for their body shape.

Is There Such a Thing as “Toxic Body Acceptation?”

For me, yes, and it’s making people sick

from https://www.boredpanda.com/plus-size-women-cosmopolitan-cover-obesity-negative-people-reactions/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

Life got easier in many aspects. We don’t get faxes; we get e-mails. We don’t text anymore. We are always online using messenger or WhatsApp waiting for everyone to see it instantaneously. We don’t need to call the radio to listen to our favorite song. Most likely, it is on Youtube or Spotify.

Sure thing society improved its technology, making our lives more comfortable. And as society evolves, so do its views, for good and worse. Unfortunately, in the past, “bullying” was not a word — at least in Portugal — but this doesn't mean it didn’t exist.

Kids made fun of every other kid for the most stupid reasons, as usually, kids do. Calling another one fat, hairy, skinny, ugly. But because these were not physical bruises, they seemed not to be so relevant, despite the harm they did to one’s mind.

Fortunately, society has given a word to this phenomenon, and by acknowledging the existence of a problem and giving it a word we try to fix it and make this world a better place to live.

As such, new theories of body acceptance and accepting your true self arose not to eliminate bullying but for people to gain confidence in themselves and to fight whoever points their finger at them.

Does this song like something negative?

It doesn’t, and it isn’t, or it wasn’t supposed to be. I, myself included, was a victim of those lame jokes growing up. Being a very hairy little girl, boys made fun of me, and girls rejected me from their little groups only because I had a little mustache and eyebrows that seemed to be just one.

Soon I started waxing, trying to become more beautiful in the eyes of that society who saw me as something different, unusual, and ugly. I could say more about this, but I want to get to my point: fat and thin bodies.

When did obesity become a “normal” role model?

https://womensmediacenter.com/fbomb/the-importance-of-plus-size-model-tess-hollidays-cosmopolitan-cover

Fat-shaming someone is absurd; that’s not the point here. The point is that obesity should not be praised either.

Publicity started including plus-size models. Beauty ads began to be more inclusive, even if they still have the same target: women. Tall, thin, fat, slim.

And society, even if with good intentions, gave rise to something that is sickening young people, girls, and boys: the acceptance of obesity as something that is normal, when it isn’t.

Is this acceptance a toxic one?

If one hand, tv shows and ads started to include plus-size models and actresses, making people accept people as they are, they do not show, however, how toxic this body acceptance is.

Obesity, just like anorexia, is a disease, and people who are obese do not have an easy beautiful life no matter how much we and they accept their bodies.

Is it ok to tell kids they can be whatever they want to be and eat whatever they want to eat because society will accept them?

Obesity is not good, point. It brings severe health conditions. From diabetes to high blood pressure to short average life expectancy! Let’s not even talk about the burden of walking, getting up in the morning, and feeling pain all over your body, when their bones start aching from carrying a weight that it’s too much.

They may not be the target of hateful comments from anyone, and they even accept their body as it is. But accepting it doesn’t mean this is a healthy lifestyle.

Accepting doesn't mean they will have an easy healthy life.

This fat acceptance it’s definitely a threat to the whole world.

Being fat is not healthy, period. We should not shame anyone for their body, but neither should society promote this acceptance of obesity as something to embrace.

Feeling comfortable in your skin is crucial for your mental health. However, one needs to address all the troubles of a disease that is also costly for the person and society in general.

While gathering my thoughts on this. I found a relevant article in “The Reporter,” where I am taking its conclusion from, and which t fits this perfectly:

It is not okay to shame or ridicule anyone for the way they look, but condemning people who influence others to make wrong lifestyle choices is imperative. Obese people are entitled to make their own choices, but they should have the information they need to make an informed decision and to not disseminate false information. To all fat activists: It’s okay to be informed. It’s okay to be wrong. It’s okay to love yourself and be healthier than you are right now. ( by Suseth Mena, on https://mdcthereporter.com/author/suseth-mena/)

Hello, I’m Araci, a female writer from Portugal navigating her thirties. If you have enjoyed this article, maybe you would like to buy me a coffee here https://ko-fi.com/joanaaraci

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