Body Positivity: Finding a Balance

The concept of body positivity has gained significant traction, and rightly so. What is body positivity? It’s a movement that champions self-love, acceptance and appreciation for bodies of all shapes, sizes and abilities. 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 Ditches of Extremes 

At one extreme, a focus on body weight alone is underscored by the pressure to conform to society’s narrow standards of beauty. From airbrushed magazine covers to flawless social media #fitfluencers, we’re bombarded with images of unattainable and unrealistic “perfection” at every turn. This constant barrage of unreasonable ideals can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem and even disordered eating behaviors. The obsession with these idealized standards can take a toll on both physical and mental health. 

At the other extreme, we see the glorification of unhealthy habits under the guise of body positivity. 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. While it’s crucial to embrace diversity and challenge harmful stereotypes, it’s equally important to recognize a body of literature that ties disease risk to excess adiposity (i.e., body fat). While seemingly contradictory, acknowledgment of obesity and its associated health risks doesn’t necessarily contradict the principles of body positivity. Body positivity is about promoting self-acceptance and self-love regardless of body size or shape. It’s about recognizing that all bodies are valuable and deserving of 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. Instead of fixating on how your body looks compared to others, focus on how it feels and what it can do. 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.