Understanding Body Positivity And Myths About It

I think body positivity is something that has been talked about so much, but implemented by barely any. When anyone spreads the message about this topic, there are two parties which are supposed to actually implement it. First come the viewers and the audience, followed by the person or influencer talking about it. In this article, I try to break down what exactly body positivity is and what it is not, as well as the myths about it:

1. Is there a definition of body positivity?

There is no need to define body positivity just like there is no need to define what a socially acceptable body size is. However, it is important for us to understand what it is. Simply put, feeling confident in and about one’s skin is body positivity.

2. Mental health and Body Image Issues:

These two are extremely dependent. The Independent tells us how The Mental Health Foundation polled 4,505 adults in March and revealed that one in eight (13 per cent) of them had considered taking their own lives because of concerns relating tobody image. Additionally, according to the poll, 20 per cent of those surveyed felt shame over the way they looked and 19 per cent reported feeling “disgusted”. Look at all these beautiful body types in the picture below. It is rather sad that people feel this way about themselves when they are actually so wonderful.

3. Where does BoPo come from?

Contrary to common belief, body positivity does not come from external forces, it comes from within. This simply means that in order to feel positive about one’s body, the determining factor is not the validation that we receive. In fact our own self is the source for it.

4. Some clarity on the topic:

The concept of body positivity is really confused with the idea of neglecting any unhealthy signs which we might notice in our body. As we grow, our habits change and so does our lifestyle. While it is perfectly right to be okay with how one's body is, it is extremely wrong to normalize obesity or emaciation.

5. What does BoPo involve?

Body positivity involves having a constructive attitude towards our body. To put it clearly, it means we should try not letting our body define our limit when it comes to the potential we have to excel at opportunities on our way. While not having a negative outlook about ourselves is imperative, it is absolutely necessary for us to also work on areas which we think might be actually reducing our output.

6. Some Stats are your way:

Statistical facts sometimes obstruct the flow of an article but to further my point, let me tell you how Researchers at the University of Western Ontario interviewed friends and family of people who had committed suicide and found that 56% of those deceased exhibited a “perceived external pressure to be perfect”. As members of society it is our duty to ensure we are not biased in our behaviour towards people with unusual body shapes.

You are much more than the confines of your body. DO NOT let Instagram, Facebook and basically social media fool you. If you feel like exercising and striving towards a fitter body, do it for yourself, not because the world wants you to. You can't just become body positive in a day, or after reading this. It is a process, go with it.

No one said that acceptance means blind belief. Accept how your body is, be content with it but as mentioned before, take whatever steps that you can to prevent any damage that could happen and to lead a healthy lifestyle. A part of it involves having healthy food, self-care, indulging in activities which help us achieve a better state of health.