We all gain from a positive body image. Body positivity is not just about challenging how others view your physical size and shape. It can mean appreciating your body despite its flaws and enjoying the body you have. You need not beat yourself up over natural changes due to aging, pregnancy, or lifestyle. Problems that can emerge due to poor body image include depression, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Regardless of how popular culture promotes the ideal shape, size, and appearance, we can still appreciate the way we look, even if it doesn’t conform to that ideal.
The culture of fat-shaming and discrimination against people based upon their size or body weight harms people’s mental and physical health. Body-shaming is widespread, and can include fat-shaming, shaming for thinness, height, hairiness, skin colour, facial features, clothing style, age, race, gender, sexuality, and disability, even shaming of tattoos, piercings, or disease residues such as psoriasis or shingles. Body-shaming is a close cousin to name-calling. And kids are not exempt: recall school bullying, and Lord of the Flies.
This is a very nuanced subject. There are reasons that people body-shame. Some do it to hurt. Some do it to help, but don’t realize that it hurts. Well-meaning friends might suggest that your health or your appearance would be improved by changing something about yourself. Perhaps they’re right. You might or might not feel hurt. Either way, thank them for their interest. But it’s all right to let them know politely that your health is a matter for you and possibly your doctor, and your appearance is your concern.
It’s okay to sometimes feel neutral or indifferent about your body. You can focus on taking the mental spotlight off your body and base your self-perceptions on other parts of yourself that you value, such as your talents or your relationships. At the same time, it’s important to show respect for your body. See your doctor if you’re sick. Eat healthy meals to fuel your mind and body. Exercise appropriately because it helps you get stronger and feel energized. As well, look for things that make you feel good about your appearance, such as your hair or your smile. Your body may continue to change in size and shape in the future, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be able to feel good about yourself in the here and now.
At TOPS we accept you, whatever your body type. We can talk through difficult subjects, and support you in getting healthy. We take the body-positive approach that it’s more important to be healthy and happy than to care about what other people think of your body.
Join us at TOPS. We are the least judgmental group of people you’ll ever find. We’d love to see you at our meetings. We meet every Wednesday morning at the Community Centre, from 9:00 to 10:00. We wear masks, social distance, and sanitize whatever we touch. We’re a low-cost, enjoyable, international self-help program that welcomes everyone. (Your first visit is free.) If you want to Take Off Pounds Sensibly with us, please call.
Submitted by Amber Harvey