The concept of body positivity has gained significant traction, and rightly so. What exactly is body esteem? Self-love, body-acceptance, and appreciation for all bodies are at the heart of this movement. Isn’t this what we all want—to experience self-love, grant ourselves grace and practice gratitude for what our bodies can do? At first glance, this movement is positive and necessary. However, like any movement, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid falling into the trap of extremes. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of navigating the extremes of “weight focus” and “weight neutrality” to discover true harmony in our relationship with our bodies.
The Cracks of Extremity At one extreme, the pressure to conform to society’s strict standards of beauty highlights a focus on body weight alone. We are constantly confronted with images of unattainable and unrealistic “perfection,” from flawless social media #fitfluencers to magazine covers that have been airbrushed to perfection. Feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and even disordered eating behaviors can result from this constant barrage of unreasonable ideals. The fixation on these idealized standards can be detrimental to one’s mental and physical well-being. Under the guise of body positivity, we witness the glorification of unhealthy habits at the other extreme. This can manifest in the form of a mis-adaptation of the “health at every size” rhetoric that downplays the importance of healthy lifestyle choices under the guise of body acceptance. Recognizing a body of research that links disease risk to excess adiposity (body fat) is just as important as embracing diversity and challenging harmful stereotypes. Recognizing obesity and the health risks it poses does not necessarily contradict body positivity’s tenets, despite the apparent contradiction. Promoting self-acceptance and self-love, regardless of body type, is the goal of body positivity. It’s about understanding that every body is valuable and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. In addition, it’s important to acknowledge that obesity, like other health conditions, can have negative impacts on health. Ignoring or downplaying these risks can be harmful. Therefore, promoting body positivity should not mean denying or ignoring the potential health consequences of obesity.
Consider adopting a more holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental and emotional well-being. So, how do you find harmony amidst these extremes? It starts with shifting your mindset from one of comparison and judgment to one of compassion and self-care. Focus on how you feel and what your body can do rather than how it looks compared to others. Celebrate your body for its strength, resilience and capacity for growth and prioritize nourishing yourself with wholesome foods, staying active in ways that bring you joy, and practicing self-care rituals that honor your body and mind.
Moving toward the Peaceful Middle Navigating toward the midpoint between weight-centric and weight-neutrality is a challenge and that journey will look different for each individual. Each person will have their own “leanings” and perspectives on how they hope to arrive at whatever their goals may be. That is okay. This is an invitation to consider the following steps as you calibrate your compass using the acronym I.N.S.P.I.R.E. as your journey begins (or continues). I = Ignore Extremes: Think about your “why” and try to find compassionate, important and relevant reasons for embracing those behaviors that feel best.
N = No single right answer: What is right for your partner, colleague or neighbor is not necessarily right for you.
S = Set boundaries: Limit exposure to media and social media content that perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards or prompts negative thoughts. Instead, surround yourself with friends, family, and communities that value diversity and body positivity and are supportive. P means to practice self-compassion: take some time to think and feel about your body. Notice any negative self-talk or harmful beliefs that arise. Then, challenge unrealistic beauty standards by questioning where these standards come from and how they impact your self-perception. Last but not least, talk to yourself as you would to a friend! I = Illuminate your plate: Give priority to nutritious foods that nourish your body and help you feel good all around. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Also, listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Take each bite slowly and mindfully, and stop when you’re full. R means get help: If you’re having trouble with your body image or disordered eating, you should think about getting help from a therapist, counselor, or medical professional. You may also opt to work with a certified health coach, registered dietitian or exercise professional who can provide personalized guidance and support on your journey toward balanced health and well-being.
E = Enjoy movement: Find physical activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, yoga, swimming or any of the countless other ways to move your body, choose activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Shift your mindset from thinking of exercise as a means to change your body to considering exercise as a way to honor and care for your body.
Final Thoughts
Above all, finding harmony in your relationship with your body requires kindness, patience and self-compassion. It’s a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance that unfolds over time. Let’s challenge both sides of this debate and work toward a world in which each individual approach to self-care is valued for what it is. Read 5 Tips for Boosting Body Image for more information on this topic. In it, you’ll find practical strategies that you can put into action right away, starting on the inside and ending with loving who you are.
