What is body positivity and how to be body positive
Body positivity focuses on the acceptance of all body types, regardless of size, complexion, and physical abilities. This is a challenge to today's beauty standards created by popular media as an undesirable social construct. Supporters feel that people should appreciate the functionality and health of the human body, as opposed to its physical appearance. Here's all you need to know about body positivity.
Why body positivity matters?
The beauty standards across the world are not only unhealthy but also a reason for increased concern for bad mental health. The aim is to help people understand that popular media severely impacts the way people relate to their bodies, including their beliefs regarding food, exercise, clothing, and self-care. For example, as per the Korean standard, adult women must weigh less than 50 kg!
History of the movement
In the late 1960s, the fat acceptance movement kicked off, aiming to end fat-shaming. However, the term "body positive" was coined in 1996 when a psychotherapist founded the website thebodypositive.org to offer educational materials to help people feel good about their bodies. As the movement gained popularity, the original focus on weight acceptance shifted toward "all bodies are beautiful."
How to be body positive?
Donate the clothes that don't fit you anymore and buy new ones, instead of cursing yourself. Weighing can be an obsession, so stop it and get a life! Stop comparing yourself to others or to your younger self. Every individual is different and cannot be compared. Accept that aging changes us and it isn't the end of the world.
How has body positivity made a difference?
The concept has led to a whirlwind of change across the world. There are plus-size models who embrace who they are and are looked up to for their work. Several magazines have stopped airbrushing photos to stop pushing unrealistic standards of beauty. It is also a part of several ad campaigns these days and is promoted on various platforms as well.
Adopt body neutrality
Many experts believe that the movement built an unhealthy culture, allowing people to neglect medical complications that come along with obesity. The movement can also make people obsess over their appearances and forget important aspects of life because they feel pressured to love their bodies. Instead of loving your body no matter what, body neutrality focuses on what your body does for you.
