body shaming essay 300 words

Essay on Body Shaming

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100 Words Essay on Body Shaming

Understanding body shaming.

Body shaming is the act of mocking or criticizing someone’s physical appearance. It is often linked to weight, size, or shape but can also include skin color, height, or any other physical attribute.

Consequences of Body Shaming

Body shaming can lead to self-esteem issues, anxiety, and depression. People who are body shamed may feel isolated or unworthy, which can have a devastating impact on their mental health.

Rejecting Body Shaming

Rejecting body shaming involves promoting acceptance of all body types. It’s important to remember that everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way.

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250 Words Essay on Body Shaming

The pervasive issue of body shaming.

Body shaming, a prevalent social issue, is the act of mocking or criticizing individuals based on their physical appearance. It is a destructive practice that permeates our society, largely propagated by unrealistic body ideals portrayed in the media.

Implications of Body Shaming

Body shaming can have severe psychological implications. It can lead to diminished self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even trigger eating disorders. Furthermore, body shaming does not only affect the individual’s mental health but also their physical well-being, as it can result in unhealthy lifestyle choices.

The Role of Media

Media plays a significant role in perpetuating body shaming. It projects an unattainable image of perfection, leading individuals to feel inadequate and pressured to conform. This constant comparison with idealized images can fuel self-loathing and body dissatisfaction.

Combatting Body Shaming

Combatting body shaming requires a collective effort. We need to challenge societal norms and promote body positivity, encouraging acceptance of all body types. Education can play a pivotal role in this, teaching individuals from a young age about the diversity of human bodies and the importance of respecting others’ physical appearances.

In conclusion, body shaming is a harmful practice that needs to be addressed. It’s crucial to promote a culture of acceptance and respect, where individuals feel comfortable in their own skin. By fostering body positivity and challenging societal norms, we can strive towards a society free from the detrimental effects of body shaming.

500 Words Essay on Body Shaming

Introduction.

Body shaming, a pervasive form of discrimination, has become a global phenomenon that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It involves criticizing oneself or others based on real or perceived physical attributes. This essay explores the concept of body shaming, its impact, and potential solutions.

The Concept of Body Shaming

Psychological impact of body shaming.

The psychological impact of body shaming can be severe, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that adolescents who experienced body shaming were more likely to develop eating disorders and lower self-esteem. This psychological trauma often extends into adulthood, affecting an individual’s personal and professional life.

Societal Consequences

Body shaming not only affects individuals but also has wider societal implications. It reinforces harmful stereotypes and norms about beauty and body image, leading to a culture of discrimination and exclusion. It affects societal cohesion, as it fosters an environment of negativity and judgement, rather than acceptance and inclusivity.

The media plays a significant role in perpetuating body shaming. Advertisements, movies, and TV shows often portray unrealistic beauty standards, contributing to body dissatisfaction. Social media platforms, while providing a space for self-expression, can also be a breeding ground for body shaming, with users often comparing themselves to carefully curated, and often edited, images of others.

Combatting body shaming requires a multi-pronged approach. Education is vital in promoting body positivity and acceptance. Schools, families, and communities need to foster environments where diversity in body shapes and sizes is celebrated. Media literacy education can also help individuals critically analyze media content and resist internalizing harmful beauty standards.

Moreover, policies need to be implemented to discourage body shaming. Social media platforms should have stricter regulations to prevent body shaming and promote respectful interactions. Legal measures could also be considered to penalize those who engage in overt body shaming.

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Essay: Be careful what you say; body shaming isn’t just for overweight people

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Essay on Body Shaming

Introduction

You’re scrolling through your social media feed, and all you see are perfectly sculpted bodies, flawless faces, and curated lifestyles. It’s a common scenario in today’s digital age, where the pressure to adhere to unrealistic beauty standards is ubiquitous. This pervasive phenomenon, known as body shaming, extends far beyond the confines of the online world, infiltrating our daily lives and shaping our perceptions of self-worth. Body shaming appears in various forms, ranging from subtle remarks about weight to blatant ridicule based on appearance, impacting individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. In this essay, we delve into the depths of body shaming, examining its origins, impacts, and the imperative need for change in our society.

Understanding Body Shaming

Body shaming refers to making critical, derogatory, or judgmental comments about someone’s body size, shape, appearance, or physical attributes.

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Weight-based: This is perhaps the most prevalent form of body shaming, where individuals are ridiculed or stigmatized for being either underweight or overweight. Terms like “fat,” “skinny,” “obese,” or “anorexic” are used to label and marginalize people based solely on their body size.
Appearance-based: Body shaming can also target specific physical features such as height, facial features, skin color, or body proportions. People may face mockery or discrimination for traits they have little control over, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-consciousness.
Disability-based: Individuals with visible disabilities or differences often experience body shaming due to societal misconceptions and prejudices. They may be subjected to pity, objectification, or derogatory remarks, further marginalizing them and reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Age-based shaming is discriminating against individuals based on their age, such as ridiculing older individuals for signs of aging or younger individuals for their youthful appearance.
Verbal: Directly commenting on someone’s appearance or making derogatory remarks about their body in conversation or online.
Non-verbal: Expressing disapproval or judgment through gestures, facial expressions, or body language.
Digital: Engaging in body shaming through social media platforms, including posting hurtful comments, sharing memes, or participating in online harassment.

3. Perpetrators

Individuals: Friends, family members, peers, or strangers who make negative remarks.
Media: Advertisements, movies, TV shows, and magazines that promote unrealistic beauty standards.
Society: Cultural norms and societal expectations that reinforce body shaming behaviors.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

Body shaming isn’t a recent occurrence but has deep historical and cultural roots. Understanding its historical and cultural contexts provides valuable insights into its origins and evolution:

Ancient Civilizations: Physical beauty was highly esteemed in ancient civilizations such as Rome and Greece, but ideals varied significantly from modern standards. For example, ancient Greeks often associated a fuller figure with fertility and prosperity, while ancient Romans favored a more slender physique. However, even in these societies, there were standards of beauty that not everyone could attain, leading to exclusion and judgment based on physical appearance. Individuals who deviated from these ideals were often marginalized or ridiculed.
Medieval and Renaissance Periods: Throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, beauty standards transformed in tandem with societal and religious convictions. For instance, in medieval Europe, plumpness was considered a sign of wealth and abundance, reflecting one’s ability to afford food. However, the Renaissance ushered in a revival of classical ideals, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and idealized body shapes inspired by ancient Greek and Roman art. This aesthetic shift marginalized individuals who did not conform to these standards.
Victorian Era and Industrial Revolution: The Victorian era created a strict moral code emphasizing modesty and virtue, particularly for women. Society expected women to maintain a delicate and demure appearance, and corsets and restrictive clothing shaped their bodies to fit ideals. The Industrial Revolution further exacerbated body image issues, as mass production and consumerism commodified beauty products and fashion. Advertisements promoted unattainable beauty standards, fostering insecurities and self-doubt among the populace.
20th Century and Modern Era: The 20th century witnessed significant shifts in beauty standards, influenced by changes in fashion , media, and social norms. The rise of Hollywood and the fashion industry propelled thinness and youthfulness to the forefront of beauty ideals, perpetuating the myth of the “perfect” body. With the advent of television , magazines, and later, the internet and social media, body shaming became more pervasive and insidious. Celebrities and influencers became arbiters of beauty, setting unrealistic standards that many felt compelled to emulate.
Cultural Diversity: Cultural attitudes toward body image vary significantly across different regions. For instance, in certain African cultures, larger body size is linked with wealth, health, and fertility, while in Western societies, thinness is often idealized. In Japan, a cultural phenomenon known as “kawaii culture” celebrates cuteness and youthful innocence. However, this emphasis on youthfulness can also create pressure to maintain a petite and childlike appearance, leading to body dissatisfaction among some individuals.

The Impact of Body Shaming

Body shaming has profound psychological, emotional, and social repercussions on individuals, eroding their self-esteem and leading to various adverse consequences. Understanding the impact of body shaming is essential to grasp the seriousness of this issue and its far-reaching consequences:

Low Self-Esteem and Body Image Disturbance: Body shaming erodes self-esteem and contributes to a distorted body image, where individuals perceive themselves negatively and feel dissatisfied with their appearance. Constant criticism and ridicule about one’s body size, shape, or features can lead to feelings of shame, self-consciousness, and inadequacy.
Anxiety and Depression: The relentless pressure to conform to societal beauty standards perpetuated by body shaming can exacerbate anxiety and depression. Individuals may experience heightened levels of stress, fear of judgment, and social anxiety , leading to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness.
Eating Disorders: The emergence of eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa is strongly associated with body shaming. Criticism and pressure to achieve an idealized body shape or weight can trigger disordered eating behaviors as individuals resort to extreme measures to attain perceived perfection and control over their bodies.
Social Withdrawal and Isolation: The stigma and shame linked to body shaming can prompt individuals to withdraw from social interactions and steer clear of situations where they feel exposed or vulnerable. Fear of judgment and rejection may lead to social isolation, loneliness, and a diminished quality of life.
Impact on Relationships: Body shaming can strain interpersonal relationships, affecting both romantic partnerships and friendships. Individuals may struggle to trust others, express vulnerability, or maintain intimacy due to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy stemming from body shaming experiences.
Workplace Discrimination: Body shaming can spill over into professional settings, where individuals may face discrimination or bias based on their appearance. Research has shown that overweight individuals, in particular, are more likely to experience workplace discrimination, including lower job opportunities, salary disparities, and negative performance evaluations.
Health Consequences: Beyond the psychological and social impacts, body shaming can have tangible health consequences. Stress-related conditions, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and immune system dysfunction, are associated with chronic exposure to stigma and discrimination.
Long-Term Effects: The effects of body shaming can persist long-term, influencing life choices, behaviors, and overall well-being. Individuals may internalize negative beliefs about themselves, leading to a lifelong struggle with body image issues and mental health disorders.

The Role of Social Media in Body Shaming

Social media platforms have become both a battleground and a breeding ground for body shaming, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and facilitating the spread of harmful attitudes and behaviors. Memes and viral examples often serve as poignant illustrations of how social media contributes to body shaming:

The “Body Transformation” Trend: Social media platforms are rife with before-and-after photos showcasing dramatic body transformations achieved through dieting, exercise, or cosmetic procedures. While some may celebrate these transformations as inspirational success stories, they can also perpetuate harmful messages about the importance of achieving a certain body ideal. Furthermore, prioritizing physical appearance over health and well-being can induce feelings of inadequacy and pressure to conform.
The “Thinspiration” and “Fitspiration” Phenomenon: Hashtags like #thinspiration and #fitspiration are commonly used on social media to share images, quotes, and motivational messages about weight loss, dieting, and fitness. While intended to inspire and motivate, these posts can often promote unhealthy behaviors, body dissatisfaction, and comparison. They may also reinforce the misconception that thinness or muscularity equals happiness, success, or self-worth.
The Rise of “Body Positive” Influencers: In response to the prevalence of body shaming on social media, many influencers and content creators advocate for body positivity, self-love, and acceptance. These influencers use their platforms to challenge beauty norms, celebrate diversity, and promote inclusivity. By sharing authentic, unfiltered content that celebrates bodies of all shapes, sizes, and abilities, they offer a counter-narrative to mainstream media’s narrow beauty ideals.
The “Expectation vs. Reality” Meme: One prevalent meme format on social media juxtaposes idealized images of celebrities, influencers, or models with unfiltered, candid snapshots of real people. These memes highlight the stark contrast between the curated perfection on social media and the everyday reality of human bodies. By reinforcing the idea that perfection is unattainable and often deceptive, these memes shed light on the detrimental effects of comparing oneself to unrealistic standards.
The Spread of Viral Challenges and Trends: Social media platforms often host viral challenges and trends that inadvertently promote body shaming or encourage risky behaviors. For example, challenges like the “waistline challenge” or the “collarbone challenge” encourage individuals to measure their physical attributes against arbitrary beauty standards, fostering feelings of inadequacy and body dissatisfaction.
The Influence of Filters and Photo Editing Apps: Filters, editing tools, and photo manipulation apps allow users to alter their appearance in photos, smoothing out imperfections, enhancing features, and achieving an idealized version of themselves. While these tools can be enjoyable and inventive, they contribute to unrealistic beauty standards and distort perceptions of reality. Users might feel compelled to portray a flawless image of themselves online, resulting in feelings of insecurity and comparison with unattainable standards.

Importance of Self-Acceptance and Body Positivity:

Here are several reasons highlighting their importance:

Enhanced Mental Health: Self-acceptance and body positivity are closely related to improved mental health outcomes, such as increased stress resilience, decreased anxiety and depression symptoms, and increased self-esteem. Regardless of appearance, embracing oneself as worthy and valuable cultivates a sense of inner peace and contentment.
Increased Self-Confidence: Embracing one’s body and accepting oneself as deserving of love and respect boosts self-confidence and self-efficacy. When individuals feel comfortable and confident in their skin, they are more likely to pursue their goals, assert themselves in social situations, and engage in meaningful relationships without fear of judgment or rejection.
Promotion of Diversity and Inclusivity: Body positivity celebrates diversity and challenges narrow beauty ideals, promoting inclusivity and acceptance of bodies of all sizes, shapes, and abilities. By embracing diverse representations of beauty, individuals can cultivate empathy, compassion, and respect for others’ unique experiences and perspectives.
Improved Body Image Satisfaction: Embracing self-acceptance and body positivity fosters a more positive body image. Individuals appreciate and celebrate their bodies for their strength, resilience, and inherent worth. People can concentrate on fostering healthy relationships with their bodies based on self-care and self-compassion instead of aiming for unachievable perfection.
Empowerment and Self-Expression: Body positivity and self-acceptance enable people to take back control of their bodies and claim their freedom of expression. By rejecting external judgments and embracing authenticity, individuals can explore their identities, pursue their passions, and advocate for their needs and boundaries without apology or shame.
Social and Cultural Change: Embracing self-acceptance and body positivity is transformative on an individual level and contributes to broader social and cultural change. One way that people can promote equality, diversity, and inclusion for all bodies is by opposing long-standing systems of oppression and discrimination through policies, practices, and representations.

Combating Body Shaming

Body shaming is a pervasive issue that requires concerted efforts from individuals, communities, and institutions to address effectively. Taking proactive steps to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors, promote body positivity, and foster a culture of acceptance and respect. Here are several strategies for combating body shaming:

Promote Self-Acceptance and Self-Love: Encourage individuals to embrace self-acceptance and practice self-love by celebrating their unique qualities, strengths, and accomplishments. Create a welcoming atmosphere where people of all shapes and sizes feel appreciated and respected.
Educate and Raise Awareness: Raise awareness of the need to promote body positivity and the negative repercussions of body shaming. Provide education and resources on body diversity , media literacy, and the impact of societal beauty standards on mental health.
Challenge Stereotypes and Beauty Ideals: Challenge narrow beauty ideals and stereotypes perpetuated by media, advertising, and popular culture. Celebrate diverse representations of beauty and challenge harmful messages that equate worth with appearance.
Practice Empathy and Compassion: Cultivate empathy and compassion towards individuals experiencing body shaming or body dissatisfaction. Listen without judgment, validate their experiences, and offer support and encouragement.
Call Out Body Shaming Behaviors: Speak out against body shaming behaviors in everyday online or offline interactions. Challenge derogatory comments, jokes, or stereotypes that perpetuate harmful attitudes toward body size, shape, or appearance.
Promote Positive Body Image in Media and Advertising: Advocate for responsible and inclusive media representation that reflects the diversity of human bodies and celebrates authenticity. Support brands and content creators that promote positive body image and reject harmful beauty standards.
Support Body-Positive Movements and Organizations: Get involved in body-positive movements and organizations that advocate for change and promote acceptance of all bodies. Support initiatives that challenge discrimination, promote self-care, and foster empowerment.
Lead by Example: Lead by example and embody the principles of body positivity in your own life. Embrace self-acceptance, challenge internalized biases, and advocate for yourself and others. By demonstrating a commitment to acceptance and respect , you can inspire others to do the same.

What Can Schools and Parents Do?

Both schools and parents play crucial roles in shaping young individuals’ perceptions of themselves and others. Here are ways schools and parents can address body shaming and promote body positivity:

For Schools

Implement Body Positive Curriculum: Integrate body positivity and self-esteem-building activities into the school curriculum to promote acceptance and appreciation of diverse body types.
Provide Education on Media Literacy: Teach students critical media literacy skills to help them deconstruct and challenge unrealistic beauty standards portrayed in the media.
Create Inclusive Environments: Foster inclusive and supportive school environments where all students feel accepted, respected, and valued regardless of appearance.
Address Bullying and Discrimination: Implement anti-bullying policies and programs that specifically address body shaming and discrimination based on appearance.
Offer Counseling and Support Services: For students who might be having problems with their bodies or emotional suffering due to body shaming, make counseling and support groups available.

For Parents

Model Positive Body Image: Be mindful of your attitudes and behaviors towards body image and avoid negative comments about your or others’ appearances.
Encourage Open Communication: Create a secure area where they may voice their worries and emotions without worrying about being judged.
Promote Healthy Habits: Focus on promoting healthy habits such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep rather than focusing solely on weight or appearance.
Monitor Media Consumption: Monitor and limit exposure to media perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and promoting body dissatisfaction. Encourage critical thinking about media messages and imagery.
Be Supportive and Affirming: Offer unconditional love and support to your children, affirming their worth and value regardless of appearance. Focus on praising their efforts, achievements, and positive qualities.

Legal and Policy Measures

Legal and policy measures are critical for addressing systemic issues related to body shaming and promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect. These are a few possible legislative and policy actions. :

Anti-Discrimination Legislation: Enact and enforce anti-discrimination laws that explicitly prohibit discrimination based on body size, appearance, or physical attributes in employment, education, healthcare, housing, and public accommodations. Provide legal recourse for individuals who experience discrimination or harassment due to body shaming.
School Policies and Protocols: Develop and implement school policies and protocols that address body shaming, bullying, and harassment in educational settings. Schools should have clear procedures for reporting and addressing body shaming incidents and train staff to recognize and respond to such behavior.
Media Representation Guidelines: Establish guidelines and regulations for media representation to promote diversity, inclusivity, and responsible portrayal of body image in advertising, entertainment, and digital media. Require media outlets to adhere to standards that minimize promoting unrealistic beauty ideals and harmful stereotypes.
Social Media Regulation: Implement regulations and oversight mechanisms to address harmful content related to body shaming on social media platforms. Hold social media companies accountable for enforcing community standards prohibiting bullying, harassment, and hate speech based on appearance.
Healthcare Guidelines and Training: Develop healthcare guidelines and training programs for healthcare providers to address body shaming and promote patient-centered care. Require medical professionals to receive training on recognizing and addressing bias, stigma, and discrimination related to body size and appearance.
Employment Protections: Extend employment protections to include body size and appearance as protected characteristics under anti-discrimination laws. Enact policies that forbid employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants due to their appearance and mandate reasonable accommodations for individuals with body-related disabilities or medical conditions.

Addressing body shaming requires a multifaceted approach encompassing legal, policy, educational, and societal interventions. As per a study from the Body Image Council, in the last year, 20% of adults felt shame, 34% felt down or low, and 19% felt disgusted by their body image. Among teenagers, 37% felt upset, and 31% felt ashamed about their body image. Furthermore, concerns about body image led to suicidal thoughts or feelings in 13% of adults. By enacting anti-discrimination legislation, promoting media literacy, and fostering supportive environments in schools and communities, we can combat harmful beauty standards and promote body positivity. Empowering individuals to embrace their bodies, celebrate diversity, and cultivate self-acceptance is imperative. Together, we can create a world where everyone is respected and valued, irrespective of appearance. Always remember that YOU ARE PERFECT!

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Words Have Weight: The Many Forms of Body-Shaming

A closer look at body-shaming towards ourselves and others..

Posted February 2, 2021

When was the last time you looked in the mirror and admired your reflection? We are bombarded with images of perfect bodies on TV, in magazines, and all over social media . In our weight-conscious culture, physical appearance often overrides health considerations.

The overall message we receive is that we should strive for the perfect body and find ways to hide our flaws. Trying to live up to these standards creates negative feelings about our self-worth and self-esteem . It also leads to judgments about ourselves and others, which can manifest as body- shaming .

What Constitutes Body-Shaming?

Body-shaming may be considered a form of bullying (Agarwal & Banerjee, 2018). It involves humiliating someone by making inappropriate or derogatory comments about their body size or shape. These criticisms can be made to ourselves, or to others either with or without that person’s knowledge. The act of mocking others can be carried out in person or via the internet and social media. Technological platforms play a significant role by emphasizing physical appearance, as well as providing a convenient vehicle for body-shaming. It’s easy to post hurtful comments about others online because of the enhanced access and anonymity. This form of cyberbullying has contributed to body-shaming practices in recent years.

Although body-shaming is usually associated with fat-shaming, people of all sizes and shapes can bear the brunt of this cruelty. Being very slender, I have been subjected to irritating comments, such as “Don’t you eat?” or “You eat like a bird.” Even in a joking manner, remarks about what or how much food people are eating constitutes body-shaming. People may think it’s a compliment to say how lucky you are to be thin, but words can be harmful especially if you’re already self-conscious about your weight. Even though you may not intend to hurt someone’s feelings, you may inadvertently be engaging in body-shaming.

How many times have you said to yourself that you feel fat or asked others if you look fat? You may not realize it, but these are also body-shaming practices. It implies that being fat is unattractive and something to be ashamed of. Let’s face it—we only have a certain degree of control over our genetic makeup and metabolism. Although people don’t choose to be overweight, weight biases remain widespread in many societies and the fat-shaming practices continue. This becomes a vicious cycle because the shame of weight discrimination contributes to stress and more weight gain (Vogel, 2019).

Body-Shaming and Gender

The stigma surrounding weight and body type can have long term psychological and physical health consequences (Agarwal & Banerjee, 2018). Feminine ideals of beauty changed beginning in the 1960s when thin women were considered to be more attractive than heavier women. Men who were taller and muscular were viewed as the desired body type. Since the stringent standards for women are generally unrealistic and unattainable, body-shaming tends to be more prevalent towards females than males (Agarwal & Banerjee, 2018).

A comparison study of body-shaming and social anxiety between males and females, ages 18-30 revealed some surprising results (Agarwal & Banerjee, 2018).The researchers evaluated the relationship between social anxiety , fear of negative evaluation, and body-shaming. Although there was a positive correlation between social anxiety and body-shaming, no gender differences were found for the three variables in this sample (Agarwal & Banerjee, 2018). This suggests that nobody is immune to body-shaming or societal pressures to look a certain way.

Adolescents and Appearance-Based Shaming

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to body-shaming, weight-shaming, and appearance-based shaming during this pivotal stage of development (Gam, Singh, Manar, Kar & Gupta, 2020). Attitudes towards body image and self-esteem are largely influenced by family members, peers, and social media. Weight-related bullying during adolescence contributes to negative body perceptions and preoccupations with specific body parts (Voelker, Reel, & Greenleaf, 2015). Adolescent girls, in particular, are at increased risk for eating disorders and dysfunctional exercise stemming from pressures concerning their appearance (Voelker et al., 2015).

Studies indicate that the effects of being bullied during adolescence have both short-term and long-term mental health consequences (Ringdal, Bjornsen & Espnes, 2020). Similarly, mental health issues, including body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and depressive symptoms may result from appearance-based harassment among youth (Gam et al., 2020). Other studies suggest a link between appearance-based teasing and an increase in alcohol use with more frequent binge drinking in early adolescence (Klinck, Vannucci, Fagle, & Ohannessian, 2020).

Body-Shaming as an Occupational Hazard

Body-shaming is widespread throughout the workplace. Since the office is fundamentally a social setting, weight and dieting tend to be popular topics of conversation. Busybody co-workers offering unsolicited advice about what you’re eating for lunch is more than just an annoyance. People who are overweight, particularly women, are often passed over for promotional opportunities (Mull, 2019). The “wellness craze” is rampant in our culture, resulting in both positive and negative consequences. Although worksite wellness programs can be beneficial in many respects, they also emphasize weight loss as an important health priority. This can lead to both poor self-image and shaming of others to comply with these recommendations (Mull, 2019).

Individuals in professions that uphold specific aesthetic ideals face harsh criticism about their appearance. Celebrities are a particular target for body-shaming with the constant scrutiny from the public eye. Many notable women and men have spoken out about this issue in order to raise awareness and promote body positivity . Among them are Serena Williams, Kelly Clarkson, Ashley Graham, Sam Smith, and Robert Pattinson. This is a long-overdue message for the entertainment industry, as well as the general public.

Dance is another profession where body-shaming is pervasive. Dancers are constantly judged on their body types by themselves, teachers, coaches, and the audience. High levels of perfectionism pertaining to performance and a lean body appearance are inherent within the dance culture. Ballet dancers constantly worry about their weight which can lead to the development of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. (Alvero-Cruz, Mathias, & Gargia-Romero, 2020).

As part of the effort to bring attention to the issue of body-shaming in dance, several dancers have begun to publicize their experiences. Kathryn Morgan, a former soloist with Miami City Ballet, posted a YouTube video explaining the reasons why she recently left the company. She indicated that she was pulled from a number of leading roles because of her body shape and was told she couldn’t go back on stage until she was “looking like a ballerina.” According to Morgan, this caused her to return to unhealthy eating habits and feelings of anxiety and depression (Barnett, 2020).

Promoting Body Positivity

Kathryn Morgan’s message created a media storm of dancers revealing similar anecdotes about themselves. The “anti-body-shaming movement” has begun to take shape with an increased focus on body positivity. This is a step in the right direction towards altering our appearance-based biases and prejudices. The necessity of opening up a dialog about this controversial subject is highly apparent from a mental health perspective. There have been attempts to alter our mindsets with marketing campaigns that incorporate more mainstream body images. Nonetheless, it will take time to change our longstanding ideals of beauty and relationships with our own bodies. Body positivity is a journey towards accepting ourselves and others. Learning to embrace our own imperfections will ultimately free us from placing unfair judgments on others.

“Step away from the mean girls and say bye-bye to feeling bad about your looks. Are you ready to stop colluding with a culture that makes so many of us feel physically inadequate? Say goodbye to your inner critic , and take this pledge to be kinder to yourself and others." —Oprah Winfrey

Agarwal, T. & Banerjee, A. 2018). Body shaming and social anxiety: Assessing gender differences. The Learning Curve, 7, 72-75. Retrieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/e332/9c7e98abe100397aa879bacba0c261668… .

Alvero-Cruz, J.R., Mathias, V.P., & Garcia-Romero, J.C. (2020). Somatotype components as useful predictors of disordered eating attitudes in young female ballet dance students. Journal of Clinical Medicine , 9(7), 2024. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9072024 .

Barnett, C. (2020). Dancers say it’s time to talk about ballet companies that body-shame. Retrieved from https://observer.com/2020/11/ballet-companies-body-shaming-kathryn-morg…

Gam, R.T., Singh, S.K., Manar, M. Kar, S.K., & Gupta, A. (2020). Body shaming among school-going adolescents: Prevalence and predictors. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health , 7(4), 1324-1328. Retrieved from DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20201075 .

Klinck, M., Vannucci, A., Fagle, T., & Ohannessian, C.M. (2020). Appearance-related teasing and substance use during early adolescence. American Psychological Association . Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/adb0000563 .

Mull, A. (2019). The tyranny of workplace food-shamers. The Atlantic . Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/06/food-and-body-shame-…

Ringdal, R., Bjornsen, H.N., & Esones, G.A. (2020). Bullying, social support and adolescents’ mental health: Results from a follow-up study. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health . Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1177/1403494820921666

Voelker, D.K., Reel, J.J., & Greenleaf, C. (2015). Weight status and body image perceptions in adolescents: Current perspectives. Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutic s, 6, 149-158. Retrieved from https://doi: 10.2147/AHMT.S68344

Vogel, L. (2019). Fat shaming is making people sicker and heavier. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 191(23). Retrieved from https:// doi: 10.1503/cmaj.109-5758

Alice E. Schluger, Ph.D., has taught online Psychology and Health Psychology courses since 2010. She is also a Life & Wellness Coach and a Certified Wellness Practitioner, specializing in working with dancers.

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Discussion of Body Shaming Among Teenagers Essay

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It should be admitted that modern society is developing rapidly. A person anywhere in the world, having access to the Internet, also has the opportunity to master the experience of various cultures, social groups, professions, and so on. Social networks provide opportunities for communication of a huge number of people of different nationalities, ages, social statuses. Nowadays, social networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and many others are international and allow people from different cultures to interact. It seems reasonable to state that under such conditions, the online community puts pressure on those who do not “stay in line” with beauty trends. This results in global issues such as body shaming, which makes this topic relevant to explore and suggest possible solutions. Below, the essence of body shaming among teenagers, as well as appropriate resolution of this issue – body positiveness promotion – will be provided.

Body shaming is negative comments about another person’s appearance. They can lead to depressive symptoms and irreversible consequences. People who are overweight are often subjected to body shaming, but those who look too thin or insufficiently athletic from the point of view of others are also criticized. Body shaming is ubiquitous. With the development of the online space and social networks, people have the opportunity to expand their circle of contacts and hurt unfamiliar teenagers without consequences for themselves (Martínez-González et al. 6629). There are posts and articles, the authors of which openly urge to evaluate whose body shape is better.

The dangers of body shaming go beyond nasty comments and attacks. Many people, even without other people’s words, are critical of their appearance – then third-party comments only reinforce negative experiences. Body shaming can be directed not only outside but also at oneself and can be expressed in dissatisfaction with one’s appearance in comparison with other people and standards (Gam et al. 1327). A person struggling with an eating disorder is influenced by many different factors, including genetic characteristics and the environment. Body shaming is considered part of the equation. The fact is that he increases the feeling of shame for his “wrong” appearance. The latter can already directly affect the choice of diet, right up to the transition to a rigid diet.

Body positive promotion can be a significant variant to address the described issue. This phenomenon may be defined as a movement based on a respectful attitude and acceptance of both your own and someone else’s appearance (Davies et al. 102). The goals of this movement were initially declared as very good: to teach society to communicate on an equal footing with people with all kinds of differences, without looking away and without showing excessive curiosity. All people, regardless of how they look, have an equal footing in basic comfort. The body cannot be the cause of a disrespectful attitude towards a person. Members of the movement help each other to overcome complexes, live in harmony with themselves without looking back at public opinion, fashion, and beauty standards. Body positivity arose as a response to popular culture with commercial beauty, promoting the acceptance of the normality of everyone.

For people with a body mass significantly exceeding the norm, body positivity has become a movement for accepting obesity, regardless of its cause. Today, obese people can wear fashionable clothes, including tight-fitting ones, without hesitation and complexes (Pickett and Cunningham 330). They may require comfortable conditions for themselves in public places: in cinemas and cafes, there should be not only chairs but also sofas for people of a higher weight category and dimensions.

There are a plethora of studies that confirm the significance and appropriacy of body positivity. Moreover, some specific practices allow implementing its core ideas and aspirations to a great degree. For instance, Pickett and Cunningham justify the adequateness of inclusive physical activities spaces (330), and Coyne et al. give a notable example of body positivity music’s effectiveness (11). Such a variety of approaches implies a great range of opportunities to promote body positivity via social media to make teenagers realize its advantages and perceive its principles properly.

However, there is an opinion that is declaring the freedom of the body to be as it is from nature, overweight people completely cease to monitor their diet. They do not make any effort to increase physical activity; they have such fat deposits that threaten physical health and shorten life expectancy. The medical point of view on overweight has not changed; obesity is recognized as a disease and a concomitant aggravating factor in many conditions. The ideology of body positivity manifested itself in obese people in a reluctance to take care of their bodies; any reminders of good nutrition and gyms are perceived as insults (Stamp). Such a point of view contains an exact degree of rationality, but the fact that body shaming also has a negative impact on health is relevant as well. It seems apparent that body shaming has no positive effects, and body positivity – if its message is conveyed properly – is a great foundation for mental and physical healthiness.

To conclude, the above discussion explored the phenomenon of body shaming and its adverse impact. The concept of body positivity was presented as well, and it was pre-assumed that it is an appropriate variant to address body shaming among teenagers. It is proposed to elaborate on the ways body positivity can be promoted properly and expediently.

Works Cited

Coyne, Sarah, et al. “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The Effect of Lstening to Body Positive Music on Implicit and Explicit Body Esteem.” Psychology of Popular Media , vol. 10, no. 1, 2021, pp. 2–13.

Davies, Bryony, et al. “Add a Comment … How Fitspiration and Body Positive Captions Attached to Social Media Images Influence the Mood and Body Esteem of Young Female Instagram Users.” Body Image, vol. 33, 2020, pp. 101–105.

Gam, Rahul Taye et al. “Body Shaming among School-Going Adolescents: Prevalence and Predictors.” International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health , vol. 7., no. 4, 2020, pp. 1324–1328.

Martínez-González, Marina, et al. “Women Facing Psychological Abuse: How Do They Respond to Maternal Identity Humiliation and Body Shaming?” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021, vol. 18, no, 12, pp. 6627–6644.

Pickett, Andrew, and George Cunningham. “Creating Inclusive Physical Activity Spaces: The Case of Body-Positive Yoga.” Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport , vol. 88, no. 3., 2016, pp. 329–338.

Stamp, Nikki. “Does the Body Positivity Movement Actually Promote Better Health?” The Sydney Morning Herald , 2019.

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The Impact of Body Shaming and How to Overcome It

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Body Shaming in Our Culture

Who are the targets of body shaming, why do we need to stop body shaming, how to be more inclusive.

Body shaming is the act of saying something negative about a person's body. It can be about your own body or someone else's. The commentary can be about a person's size, age, hair, clothes, food, hair, or level of perceived attractiveness.

Body shaming can lead to mental health issues including eating disorders , depression, anxiety, low self-esteem , and body dysmorphia, as well as the general feeling of hating one's body .

In our current society, many people think that thin bodies are inherently better and healthier than larger bodies. Historically, however, that hasn't always been the case. If you think of paintings and portraits from before the 1800s era, you can see that plumpness was revered.

Being fat was a sign that a person was wealthy and had access to food, while thinness represented poverty. In her book "Fat Shame: Stigma and the Fat Body in American Culture," author Amy Erdman Farrell traces the shift from revering heavy bodies to the preference of smaller shapes to mid-nineteenth century England when the first diets books were published.

She noted that the focus on diets, and bodies at large, was centered around women. Author Sabrina Strings says that fatphobia resulted from colonialism and race in her book "Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia."

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the first known use of the term "body shaming" was by journalist Philip Ellis.

Body shaming is most often about body size, but negative comments about any facet of a person's body count as body shaming.

Below are the various reasons why people might be body shamed.

One of the most common reasons people are body shamed is because of their weight. Someone might be body shamed for being "too big" or "too thin."

Saying anything negative about a person being "fat" is body shaming. This is also known as "fat-shaming." Fat-shaming comments are ones like "They'd be pretty if they lost weight," or "I bet they had to buy an extra plane ticket to fit." Men are often body-shamed when people refer to them as having a "dad bod."

People in thinner bodies can also be shamed for their weight. Often called skinny-shaming, it may sound like, "They look like they never eat" or "They look like they have an eating disorder."

Hair grows on the arms, legs, private areas, and underarms of all people, except for those with certain health conditions. However, many people have the idea that women should remove all of their body hair, or they won't be "ladylike."

Examples of body hair shaming are calling a woman with underarm hair "beastly," or telling a woman she needs to shave.

Attractiveness

Known as "pretty-shaming," the bullying or discrimination of people for being attractive, is something that happens regularly. And even more than that, people are bullied for being considered unattractive, which is also known as "lookism." Lookism describes prejudice or discrimination against people who are considered physically unattractive or whose physical appearance is believed to fall short of societal ideas of beauty.

An example of pretty-shaming is how attractive women are less likely to be hired for jobs in which they'd have positions of authority. And an example of lookism would be how unattractive people may receive fewer opportunities.

Food-shaming is generally done in relation to body size. For example, when someone makes a remark about what a person is or isn't eating, that can count as food-shaming. Someone saying, "They look like they don't need to be eating that," is an example of food-shaming.

You can also food-shame yourself. For example, you might say, "I'm so fat, I shouldn't eat this piece of cheesecake."

The 1980s saw the rise of spandex clothing, and there was a popular saying, "Spandex is a privilege, not a right." This meant that people should only wear spandex clothes if they had the "correct" body shape for them. This is a prime example of clothing-shaming.

More recently, the founder of the clothing brand Lululemon was criticized for making fat-shaming comments when he said that some women's bodies "don't work" for the clothes.

Also known as ageism, age-shaming is discrimination or bullying towards people because of their age. This usually focuses on the elderly or the older population.

In relation to body-shaming, an ageist remark may sound like, "They're too old to wear that much makeup." Additionally, news articles that show photos of how "bad" or "old" celebrities look when not wearing makeup are shaming. Making negative comments about someone's wrinkles or loose skin is another form of body-shaming.

Western society has long focused on sleek, shiny, straight hair as the ideal. Thus, hair with curls, kinks, or other textures has been viewed as less attractive. This is known as texture-shaming.

An example of texture shaming is, "They're so brave to wear their hair natural." While that sounds like a compliment, it's actually an insult. That's because it implies that a person's hair is outside what is considered normal and that they are courageous for wearing their hair in its natural state.

Additionally, bald-shaming happens to people of all genders who have receding hairlines or thinning/balding scalps.

Body shaming has myriad negative consequences on mental health. Here are some important ones:

Adolescents who are body shamed have a significantly elevated risk of depression .
It may lead to eating disorders.
Body shaming worsens outcomes for obese women attempting to overcome binge eating.
Body shaming can cause dissatisfaction with one's body, which then can cause low self-esteem .

Additional mental health concerns associated with body-shaming include:

Body dysmorphic disorder
Higher risk of self-harm or suicide
Poorer quality of life (due to body dissatisfaction)
Psychological distress

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .

Body shaming may be rampant, but that doesn't mean you should take part in it. Making a point of not being a body shamer is the kinder option for all people, yourself included. Being intentional about not engaging in various types of shaming may lead to better mental wellness.

In addition to not body shaming, it can be helpful to be more body-inclusive. This means encouraging the acceptance and celebration of shape and diversity in appearance, focusing on health instead of size or weight, and appreciating the human body for all that it is and does.

Below are some ways you can stop contributing to body shaming culture.

Stop Talking About Other People's Bodies

It may be socially acceptable for people to mock and body-shame others, but you do not have to accept, participate in, or tolerate such words or actions. You wouldn't want that to be done to you, and now you know that it can cause real problems for those it happens to.

So, when you are tempted to point out a person's body hair or their hair texture, their size, stop yourself. Instead, why not think of something nice to say to the person?

Clearly, they caught your eye, so you could use this as an opportunity to find a positive attribute. "I like your smile" is one idea of a way to compliment another person without speaking negatively about their body.

Try the following steps:

Notice your thoughts and acknowledge your own conditioning, bias, and/or judgments.
Make an intentional effort to notice what you like, appreciate, or admire about this person (this may be physical or non-physical traits).
Practice this with others and yourself to develop and deepen respect, care, and compassion for yourself and others.

Learn About Body Neutrality

Body neutrality is a practice that has many proven mental health benefits . It's the notion of accepting bodies as they are, without casting judgment on them. This can apply to your own body, and to the bodies of others.

Body neutrality encourages a focus on the positive functions that bodies can perform. Learning about it can make you feel better in your own body, improve your relationship with food, and boost your self-esteem.

Change How You Talk About Your Own Body

In a culture where so much emphasis is placed on what is wrong with us and needs improvement, it can feel like a huge challenge to speak positively about our own bodies. Doing so, however, is a healthy thing to do, and it also saves other people from harm.

By practicing speaking positively about ourselves and our bodies, and noticing qualities about ourselves and others that we like and appreciate, we can deepen our care, compassion, and connection with others and with ourselves.

When you make a comment like "I feel so fat today," you're making a judgment about fat people and implying their bodies are less valuable than the bodies of thin people. This can be hurtful for anyone around you, especially those who are larger.

It isn't realistic to only think positive thoughts about yourself, but you can express your feelings in ways that are less harmful to others. For the above example, you could instead confide in a friend and say, "My pants aren't fitting as they usually do, and it's making me feel self-conscious."

Rather than body-shaming, you'll have opened up to a loved one, creating more closeness and trust between the both of you.

If you've gone through the steps to stop body-shaming yourself and other people, that's wonderful! However, there is still more work to do.

As with all instances in life when you see other people causing harm, it's important to speak up—provided it is emotionally and physically safe for you to do so.

If you see someone making a comment to another person about their body, whether about their clothing or age or size, you can gently let them know that it's unkind to talk about other people's bodies. And if it happens regularly with friends or loved ones, you can bring it up in a bigger way, letting them know that their ways of communicating about bodies don't always feel good for you and others.

Body shaming may be prevalent, but you can do the work to stop perpetuating it and to help heal its harmful effects by practicing body positivity with yourself and others.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Body-Shaming .

Braun S, Peus C, Frey, D. Is beauty beastly? Gender-specific effects of leader attractiveness and leadership style on followers’ trust and loyalty . Zeitschrift für Psychologie. 2012; 220(2), 98–108. https://doi.org/10.1027/2151-2604/a000101

Tietje L, Cresap S. Is Lookism Unjust?: The Ethics of Aesthetics and Public Policy Implications . The Journal of Libertarian Studies . 2010.

Throughline. Lululemon founder to women: Your thighs are too fat .

Brewis AA, Bruening M. Weight shame, social connection, and depressive symptoms in late adolescence . Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2018;15(5):891.

Vogel L. Fat shaming is making people sicker and heavier . CMAJ . 2019;191(23):E649. doi:10.1503/cmaj.109-5758

Palmeira L, Pinto-Gouveia J, Cunha M. The role of weight self-stigma on the quality of life of women with overweight and obesity: A multi-group comparison between binge eaters and non-binge eaters . Appetite . 2016;105:782-789.

van den Berg PA, Mond J, Eisenberg M, Ackard D, Neumark-Sztainer D. The link between body dissatisfaction and self-esteem in adolescents: Similarities across gender, age, weight status, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status . J Adolesc Health . 2010;47(3):290-296.

Gilbert P, Miles J. Body Shame: Conceptualisation, Research, and Treatment. New York, NY:Brunner-Routledge.

By Ariane Resnick, CNC Ariane Resnick, CNC is a mental health writer, certified nutritionist, and wellness author who advocates for accessibility and inclusivity.

Body Shaming: The Psychological Effects and How to Overcome It

Body shaming is a pervasive issue involving negative comments or judgments about someone’s physical appearance. This can include anything from criticizing someone’s weight to mocking their clothing choices. Unfortunately, body shaming can seriously affect individuals’ mental health and self-esteem.

It’s essential to recognize that body shaming can happen to anyone, regardless of size or shape. People who are overweight or underweight may be targeted, as well as those with physical features that don’t conform to societal beauty standards. Body shaming can take many forms, from subtle comments to outright bullying, and it can be incredibly hurtful and damaging.

At the same time, it’s essential to acknowledge that body shaming is often a result of more significant societal issues, such as unrealistic beauty standards and a culture that values appearance over other qualities. By understanding the root causes of body shaming and working to promote body positivity and acceptance, we can help create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone.

Understanding Body Shaming

Body shaming is a pervasive issue that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. It is a form of discrimination involving negative comments about someone’s body, size, shape, or appearance. In this section, we will explore the definition of body shaming, its history and evolution, and its impact on individuals and society.

Body shaming is making negative comments about someone’s body or appearance. It can be directed towards oneself or others and can take various forms, including verbal, written, or visual. Body shaming can be based on different aspects of one’s appearance, such as weight, height, skin color, hair texture, or body shape. It can also be related to specific body parts like the nose, ears, or stomach.

Body shaming can significantly impact an individual’s mental and physical health. It can lead to low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. It can also contribute to social isolation, bullying, and discrimination.

History and Evolution

Body shaming is not a new phenomenon. It has been present in different cultures and societies throughout history. However, the way it is expressed and perceived has changed over time.

In the past, body shaming was often directed towards women based on traditional beauty standards, such as being thin, white, and young. However, body shaming has become more inclusive in recent years, affecting people of all genders, ages, and body types. It has also expanded to include different aspects of appearance, such as skin color, hair texture, and disabilities.

The rise of social media has also contributed to the evolution of body shaming. It has provided a platform for people to express their opinions and judgments about others’ bodies, often anonymously. It has also created a culture of comparison and perfectionism, where people feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

Understanding body shaming is crucial in addressing this issue and promoting body positivity and acceptance. We can create a more inclusive and supportive society by recognizing the harmful effects of body shaming and challenging negative attitudes toward different body types and appearances.

The Impact of Body Shaming

Body shaming is a common issue that affects people of all ages, genders, and body types. The negative comments and criticism about one’s appearance can significantly impact their mental and physical health, as well as their social life. This section will discuss the psychological effects, physical health consequences, and societal implications of body shaming.

Psychological Effects

Body shaming can lead to various psychological issues, including low self-esteem , depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. When people are constantly criticized for their appearance, they may internalize those negative comments and develop a negative self-image. This negative self-image can lead to a lack of confidence and self-worth, making it difficult for individuals to form meaningful relationships and pursue their goals.

Physical Health Consequences

Body shaming can also have physical health consequences. People who experience body shaming may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as crash dieting, over-exercising, or using weight loss supplements. These behaviors can lead to various health issues, including malnutrition, dehydration, and muscle damage. Additionally, the stress of body shaming can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for individuals to fight off infections and illnesses.

Societal Implications

Body shaming is not just a personal issue but has societal implications. Being constantly judged and criticized for their appearance can create a culture of body shaming that reinforces harmful stereotypes and promotes unrealistic beauty standards. This can lead to discrimination, marginalization, and a lack of diversity in the media and entertainment industries. It is essential to recognize the harm body shaming can cause and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society.

Body shaming can have a significant impact on individuals’ mental and physical health, as well as on society as a whole. It is important to recognize the harmful effects of body shaming and work towards creating a more accepting and inclusive culture. By promoting body positivity and embracing diversity, we can create a world where everyone feels comfortable and confident in their skin.

Body Shaming in Media

Body shaming is a phenomenon that has been around for a long time, but with the rise of social media and advertising, it has become more prevalent than ever. In this section, we will explore the role of social media and advertising in promoting body shaming.

Role of Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and it has also become a platform for body shaming. With the rise of influencers and celebrities on Instagram and other social media platforms, people are exposed to unrealistic beauty standards that are impossible without filters and editing tools. This has led to people feeling insecure about their bodies and has contributed to the rise of body shaming.

Moreover, social media has made it easier to bully others anonymously. Cyberbullying, including body shaming, has become a significant problem on social media platforms. People hide behind fake accounts and use hurtful language to bring others down. This can severely impact the victim’s mental health and lead to anxiety, depression, and even suicide.

Influence of Advertising

Advertising has always been a powerful tool to influence people’s perceptions of beauty. Advertisements often feature models with a specific body type, which can make people feel like they need to look a certain way to be considered beautiful. Moreover, using Photoshop and other editing tools in advertisements has created an unrealistic beauty standard that is impossible to achieve.

Furthermore, advertisements often promote weight loss products and diet plans that can harm people’s health. These products and plans often promote rapid weight loss, which can lead to people developing eating disorders and other health problems.

Social media and advertising have played a significant role in promoting body shaming. It is essential for us to be aware of the impact that social media and advertising can have on our perceptions of beauty and to encourage body positivity. We should celebrate all body types and work towards creating a world where everyone feels comfortable in their skin.

Body Positivity Movement

The Body Positivity Movement is a social movement that advocates for the acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, or physical abilities. It challenges unrealistic beauty standards and ideals and promotes self-love and self-acceptance. This section will discuss the movement’s origins, key figures who have contributed to its growth, and its achievements to date.

The Body Positivity Movement has its roots in the fat acceptance movement of the late 1960s. The fat acceptance movement focused on ending the fat-shaming culture and discrimination against people based on their size or body weight. Recently, the movement has expanded to include all body types and sizes.

Key Figures

The Body Positivity Movement has been championed by many influential figures, including:

Ashley Graham: A plus-size model featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and Vogue.
Lizzo: A singer and rapper who promotes body positivity and self-love through her music and social media presence.
Jameela Jamil: An actress and activist who founded the “I Weigh” movement, encouraging people to focus on their accomplishments and personality traits rather than their physical appearance.

Achievements to Date

The Body Positivity Movement has achieved several notable accomplishments, including:

The expansion of clothing sizes to include a wider range of body types and sizes.
The banning of overly retouched photos in advertising campaigns.
The increased representation of diverse bodies in media and entertainment.

However, much work must be done to realize the Body Positivity Movement’s goals fully. Body shaming and discrimination remain pervasive, and the movement remains essential for change.

Combatting Body Shaming

Body shaming is a pervasive issue that affects many people. It can lead to negative self-image, low self-esteem, and even depression. Fortunately, there are ways to combat body shaming and promote body positivity. This section will explore personal strategies, community efforts, and policy and legislation that can help combat body shaming.

Personal Strategies

One of the most effective ways to combat body shaming is to develop personal strategies that promote body positivity. Here are some strategies that you can try:

Cultivate self-love: Focus on your positive qualities and celebrate your body for what it can do.
Replace negative self-talk: Challenge negative thoughts about your body with positive affirmations.
Manage time spent on social media: Limit exposure to images and messages that promote unrealistic beauty standards.
Make friends with food: Develop a healthy relationship with food and focus on nourishing your body.
Contact someone you trust: Talk to a friend or family member about your feelings and seek support.

Community Efforts

Community efforts can also play a crucial role in combatting body shaming. Here are some ways that communities can promote body positivity:

Create safe spaces: Establish environments where people feel comfortable and accepted regardless of their body shape or size.
Educate others: Raise awareness about the harmful effects of body shaming and promote body positivity.
Support diversity: Celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity in all aspects of life.
Challenge stereotypes: Speak out against stereotypes and harmful messages perpetuating body shaming.
Encourage self-care: Emphasize the importance of self-care and encourage healthy habits.

Policy and Legislation

Finally, policy and legislation can also help combat body shaming. Here are some ways that policy and legislation can promote body positivity:

Ban discriminatory practices: Prohibit discriminatory practices based on body size or shape in employment, housing, and other areas.
Promote body diversity: Encourage using diverse body shapes and sizes in media and advertising.
Provide resources: Offer support for individuals who have experienced body shaming.
Fund research: Support research on the causes and effects of body shaming and promote evidence-based interventions.
Foster collaboration: Encourage collaboration among stakeholders, including government, industry, and non-profit organizations, to promote body positivity.

By implementing these personal strategies, community efforts, and policy and legislation, we can combat body shaming and promote a culture of body positivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the negative effects of body shaming.

Body shaming can have serious negative effects on a person’s mental health, self-esteem, and body image. It can lead to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and other mental health issues. It can also cause a person to feel ashamed and embarrassed about their body, which can lead to social isolation and a lack of confidence.

How can we support someone who has experienced body shaming?

If someone you know has experienced body shaming, it’s important to be supportive and understanding. Listen to them and validate their feelings. Encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional if they need it. You can also help them by promoting body positivity and challenging negative stereotypes and attitudes about body image.

What are some ways to promote body positivity?

There are many ways to promote body positivity, including:

Celebrating diversity and different body types
Challenging negative stereotypes and attitudes about body image
Encouraging self-love and self-acceptance
Promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles rather than focusing on weight or appearance
Supporting and uplifting others who may be struggling with body image issues

What are some common misconceptions about body shaming?

Some common misconceptions about body shaming include:

It only affects women
It’s only about weight or size
It’s harmless or just a joke
It’s only done by strangers or bullies

In reality, body shaming can affect anyone, regardless of gender or body type. It can take many forms, including comments about skin color, hair, clothing, and other physical features.

How does body shaming affect mental health?

Body shaming can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health. It can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It can also contribute to the development of eating disorders and other mental health issues.

What can we do to prevent body shaming?

Preventing body shaming starts with challenging negative attitudes and stereotypes about body image. We can promote body positivity by celebrating diversity and different body types, encouraging healthy behaviors and lifestyles, and supporting others who may be struggling with body image issues. We can also speak out against body shaming when we see it happening, and work to create a culture of acceptance and respect for all body types.

What Is Body Shaming and How to Stop It

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What Is Body Shaming?

How body shaming affects you.

How to More Body-Inclusive

Frequently Asked Questions

Body shaming is not a new concept—whether it's a magazine cover analyzing a celebrity's weight change or a relative making an unsolicited comment around the dinner table, the act of using bodies as a talking point is something many of us have experienced. Thankfully, in recent years, more attention has been brought to the damaging effects of negative thoughts and words surrounding individuals' bodies.

Body shaming can significantly impact your self-esteem, mood, and relationships. Shifting the focus and becoming more positive in how you relate to your body and others' appearances can have a major impact on your own quality of life.

Body shaming involves criticizing your body or others' bodies, out loud or in your thoughts. Often, body shaming is not meant to be directly hurtful, but it is. Stating unwanted and unasked-for negative opinions and comments about a person's body, even if you don't necessarily intend to hurt the person, is still body shaming.

Types of Body Shaming

Fat shaming : "You shouldn't wear that outfit until you lose weight."
Skinny shaming : "She really needs to eat a cheeseburger."
Attractiveness shaming : "What is a girl like her doing with a guy who looks like that?"
Body hair shaming : "Gross, underarm hair on women is such a turn-off."
Food shaming : "Are you sure you want dessert? You could stand to go without."
Gender shaming : "He's a man, he needs to bulk up more."

Body shaming can affect individuals in a variety of ways. Research shows that body shaming can result in mental health concerns such as depression, body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, anxiety, increased risk of suicidal thoughts, and unhealthy behaviors like eating disorders, overexercising, and exercise avoidance .

Furthermore, when people use body shaming of themselves or others to try and encourage weight loss, it more often backfires, leading to weight gain, unnecessary weight loss, and unhealthy habits. Experts and studies say that experiencing weight bias leads to physiological and behavioral changes linked to poor metabolic health and weight gain. Stress from these negative experiences may have the ability to initiate stress hormones like cortisol and reduce self-control, increasing the risk of binge eating .

With so much focus on physical appearance , other aspects of your life may also suffer. You may hold back from social events, exercise, dating, sex , and other elements of a well-rounded life. Even more importantly, the time spent obsessing over your body means less time for other pursuits, including education, self-improvement, charity work, and fulfilling hobbies.

How to Stop Body Shaming and Be More Body-Inclusive

Body shaming can quickly become a habit , especially when those around you engage in the behavior as well. Like any bad habit, stopping may be challenging but worth it. One significant first step is removing social media that makes you feel physically unworthy.

Research has tied body shaming and poor body image with social media more than any other contributing factor. The more time spent on social media, the worse body shaming and dissatisfaction are likely to be.

Another factor can be disapproving comments from relatives, including parents. Research shows that being raised with disparaging remarks about your physical appearance impacts how you think about your body and has the potential to lead to body shaming and disordered eating patterns. Speaking out and setting clear boundaries around what you will and will not tolerate from others close to you can help end this cycle.

Ultimately, if you are tempted to make a comment about someone else's body, don't. Even praising someone for weight loss or telling someone they look much better wearing a specific type of clothing or makeup can backfire.

These comments insinuate that the person's value has increased due to physical changes, even if you don't know their root cause. For instance, illness can lead to weight loss that wasn't desired or attempted. And suggesting someone looks better a particular way means they look less ideal another way. Remove focus on the physical and place it on accomplishments with more meaning and permanence.

A Word From Verywell

Body shaming is not always so obvious. Small, seemingly harmless comments can make a big impact on a person's self-esteem. It's best to avoid commenting on people's physical appearance in general, and especially in relation to things like weight , attractiveness, gender conformity, and what a person chooses to wear or not.

If you struggle with body image, body shaming, or related issues and feel like you cannot change things, reach out to a therapist who can help you. Discuss how you feel with trusted friends and family members, and remember to set clear boundaries with yourself and others.

If you hear someone body shaming, it may be best to remind them of the harmful effects, such as perpetuating unrealistic expectations and focusing on trivial physical appearance instead of more important aspects of a person. You can try saying something like "I really don't agree with body shaming. Let's not get caught up in appearances, there's more to life than how you look."

Society is highly focused on physical appearance and attributing too much value to how someone looks. If you feel bad about your looks, you are more likely to make purchases that will "fix" it, including weight loss, beauty, and anti-aging products. This is why marketing efforts focus so much on "flaws" that are actually perfectly normal, including weight, cellulite, acne, wrinkles, hair loss, and more. These messages become pervasive and can influence how you think and feel about yourself and others.

Schlüter C, Kraag G, Schmidt J. Body shaming: an exploratory study on its definition and classification . Int Journal of Bullying Prevention. doi:10.1007/s42380-021-00109-3

Medical School - University of Minnesota. Changing the Conversation: Body Shaming .

Jackson SE, Beeken RJ, Wardle J. Perceived weight discrimination and changes in weight, waist circumference, and weight status: Weight Discrimination and Changes in Weight . Obesity. 2014;22(12):2485-2488. doi:10.1002/oby.20891

Vogel L. Fat shaming is making people sicker and heavier . CMAJ. 2019;191(23):E649-E649. doi:10.1503%2Fcmaj.109-5758

Teeters, Taryn Bland, "Why a negative body image? A study on gender, social media, and mass media" (2018). Masters Theses . 3444. Eastern Illinois University.

Michael SL, Wentzel K, Elliott MN, et al. Parental and peer factors associated with body image discrepancy among fifth-grade boys and girls . J Youth Adolescence. 2014;43(1):15-29. doi:10.1007%2Fs10964-012-9899-8

Dahill L, Mitchison D, Morrison NMV, et al. Prevalence of parental comments on weight/shape/eating amongst sons and daughters in an adolescent sample . Nutrients. 2021;13(1):158. doi:10.3390%2Fnu13010158

By Rachel MacPherson, BA, CPT Rachel MacPherson is a health writer, certified personal trainer, and exercise nutrition coach based in Halifax.

Lily Moe is a former fitness coach and current Editor for Verywell Fit. A wellness enthusiast, she can often be found in a hot yoga studio, trying a new recipe, or going for a long run in Central Park.

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What is body shaming?

Causes of body shaming, effects of body shaming, how to turn body shaming into body positivity, turn body shaming into body positivity tip 1: cultivate self-love, tip 2: replace negative self-talk, tip 3: manage time spent on social media, tip 4: make friends with food, tip 5: reach out to someone you trust, how to help a loved one with body shaming, body shaming the effects and how to overcome it.

Hearing negative comments about your appearance can impact your body image and leave you feeling anxious and self-conscious. But there are ways to manage fat shaming or other critical comments, and achieve body acceptance.

Body shaming involves humiliating someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body size or shape. As well as “fat shaming,” you may also hear negative comments if you’re underweight or in reference to a specific body part.

This type of criticism can be made to others or yourself. You may feel unhappy with your weight or how your body looks and judge yourself harshly. You may even engage in negative self-talk, such as “I feel so fat today” or “I need to stop stuffing my face with food.”

The act of body shaming can be carried out in person or remotely via the internet and social media and can be done by your parents, siblings, friends, or people you’re not even close to.

Even in a joking manner, remarks about what you eat or how much food you consume constitutes body shaming. Giving someone advice about dieting or praising weight loss is also considered body shaming, whether intentional or not. Often, your friends and family members don’t want to hurt your feelings, but their comments can still be of a critical nature. They may not realize the negative effect that questions like “Have you lost weight?” or “Do you really need to eat all of that?” can have.

While nobody is immune to societal pressures to look a certain way, comments about your body are unnecessary in any context. Whether the body shaming is being done by yourself or others, there are ways to overcome the problem, build body positivity, and learn to look at yourself in a more compassionate and realistic way.

Social media and body shaming

Social media often emphasizes physical appearance and makes it easy to post hurtful comments about others. The overall message is often that you should strive for the perfect body and find ways to hide your flaws. This can have a huge influence on your body image.

Body shaming on digital platforms is related to cyberbullying, but there are ways to fight back against those who body shame online, overcome the pain and anguish they cause, and reclaim your sense of self-worth.

See Cyberbullying: Dealing with Online Bullies .

Our “selfie” culture emphasizes outward beauty and we’re constantly bombarded with images of glamourous celebrities in magazines, advertisements, TV shows, and other types of media.

What you see every day on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram can understandably make you feel envious of others or focus your thinking on your physical appearance and any perceived flaws. You may struggle to live up to these standards and experience negative feelings and judgements about yourself. This can become destructive when it diminishes your self-worth and body image.

A fixation with how you look can create unrealistic expectations that are impossible to achieve. Even when you know that these idealized images are digitally altered or enhanced, it’s easy to fall into the trap of unfavorably comparing yourself—or others.

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Body shaming in teens

Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to body shaming, weight shaming, and appearance-based shaming. In the teen years, your attitudes and beliefs about body image and self-esteem are largely influenced by your family members, peers, and social media. Mothers can often be role models for their daughters, for example. If your mother is continually complaining about her own shape or weight, or pointing out problems in how you look or eat, it’s bound to have an impact on how you view yourself.

As you develop during adolescence, it’s normal to be highly sensitive to comments about body shape, weight, and appearance. Weight-related bullying during adolescence contributes to negative body perceptions and preoccupations with specific body parts. Adolescents who are overweight are particularly vulnerable, and this can often lead to depression .

You might think that only teenage girls are the victims of body shaming, but boys can also be affected. They may be particularly concerned about not being muscular enough in relationship to the popular concept of masculinity.

Even supermodels and prima ballerinas have insecurities and imperfections, but we still tend to perceive them to be the ultimate representations of beauty. If you don’t measure up to these standards, you may feel inadequate and unworthy. And if you experience body shaming by others and take their negative comments to heart, it can lead to unhealthy behaviors and mental health problems, such as:

Having a negative body image is one of the main factors for developing disordered eating or an eating disorder , such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating.

You may start a diet that involves restrictive eating in an attempt to change your body shape or size. But such dieting can spiral into harmful behaviors like skipping meals, fasting, vomiting after eating, excessive exercising, or overusing laxatives. Over time, you end up depriving your body and brain of essential nutrients that are necessary for optimal health.

Body shaming comments such as “Did you lose weight? You look so much better,” can be triggering and create more disordered eating habits in an attempt to maintain or lose even more weight.

Experiencing body-shaming can interfere with your self-image and make you feel extremely self-conscious. This can escalate into body dysmorphic disorder , where you become obsessed with a perceived appearance flaw that can create repeated avoidance behaviors.

Your daily life can become consumed with concerns about a small flaw, or one that is not apparent to others. You may constantly look at yourself in the mirror or avoid mirrors altogether, conceal body parts you don’t like, pick at your skin, or frequently ask others if you look okay.

If you are constantly ashamed of your body, it can also impair your performance at school and interfere with your relationships with peers, teachers, and family members. Fears about being judged by others may cause you to limit or avoid social activities.

[Read: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)]

Severe symptoms of BDD can result in you dropping out of school because you’re unable to cope with the constant level of distress. You may even develop depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviors .

Excessive Exercising

Being physically active is normally one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. However, if it becomes an addiction and you engage in compulsive exercising, it can lead to persistent fatigue, injuries, and susceptibility to illness or trigger anxiety, depression, or irritability.

If you are exercising compulsively, you may also start to withdraw from social situations as exercise becomes your main focus. Excessive exercising can progress into a syndrome called Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) which occurs when your calorie intake is not sufficient for the amount of energy you are expending to maintain healthy functioning.

Anxiety and depression

Body shaming can trigger or worsen existing symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you are body-shamed in public or on social media, you may try to avoid going to school or other situations where this shaming might occur. You may withdraw from others and feel isolated and alone .

Hearing critical comments about your appearance can also be humiliating, heighten your insecurities, and damage your self-esteem. Consequently, you may engage in negative self-talk as you internalize these feelings of worthlessness. You may tell yourself things like “I am a bad person” or “I am completely worthless.” This can escalate into extreme loneliness, depression, anxiety, and poor body image.

Physical Health Issues

Fat shaming, in particular, is rampant in our society as obesity is associated with being lazy, unattractive, and lacking willpower to lose weight. In one study, over 70% of adolescents reported being bullied about their weight in the past few years. This can be harmful to your physical as well as psychological health.

Rather than being a motivating factor for losing weight , fat shaming actually has the opposite effect. The stress has been linked to a reduction in physical activity and the consumption of more calories.

[Read: Childhood Obesity and Weight Problems]

Being the target of weight bias and discrimination can also affect your metabolism, lead to further weight gain, and increase your chances of becoming obese. This in turn can elevate the risk factors for high blood pressure , high cholesterol, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and other physical health problems.

In recent years, there has been an effort to reverse the body shaming emphasis and promote more love and acceptance of how we look. Social media platforms have utilized body positivity hashtags to gain more followers and help address the appearance-based prejudices that have been ingrained in us.

Of course, it will take time to change longstanding ideals of beauty. We have all internalized these messages in different ways based upon our cultural beliefs and norms. As the saying goes, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” and this also holds true for our views about various body shapes and sizes.

How to build body positivity

Body positivity is a continuous journey towards accepting yourself and others. It takes patience and practice to alter longstanding cultural beliefs and learn self-compassion. You can’t control what others say or do, but you can change your all-or-nothing thinking and start to view yourself as a whole person.

Following these basic steps can help you overcome body shaming and build body positivity:

Cultivate self-love.
Replace negative self-talk.
Manage your time spent on social media.
Make friends with food.
Reach out to someone you trust for guidance and support.

The first steps to protecting yourself from body shaming are to stop body-shaming yourself and develop self-compassion. Remember that your health status takes priority over your physical appearance, and that should always be your primary concern.

Don’t hide or isolate yourself from others . We all have days when we don’t look or feel our best, but don’t let this destroy your self-esteem or sense of worth . Take a step back and think about the critical inner dialog you are imposing on yourself. Is this really an accurate representation of who you are? Say “no” to yourself when you’re looking in the mirror and feeling disgust for your face or your body.

Treat yourself with kindness and understanding , as you would a best friend. Taking care of yourself is not a selfish act; it’s necessary for your personal well-being. Exercise, eat healthy food, enjoy the company of people who care about you, and spend some time outdoors to refresh your body and your mind.

Manage stress . Experiencing body shaming can be extremely stressful. Relaxation techniques such as exercise, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are all good ways to build resilience and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by negative experiences.

[Read: Stress Management]

Embrace the power of your body . Our bodies serve us well on a daily basis to function effectively and keep us healthy. Rather than being upset about your appearance, express gratitude for this “sacred vessel” you inhabit. Take notice of simple things you often take for granted, such as breathing, blood pumping to the heart, and your miraculous senses. The most important thing you can do is strive for a healthy body, which is separate from your feelings about your weight and desire for perfection.

While you can’t control what others say about you, you do have the power to focus on the positive aspects of yourself, rather than dwelling on any perceived flaws. Learning to accept your own imperfections will ultimately free you from placing unfair judgments on yourself or others.

Replacing negative self-talk with positive thoughts and affirmations can be useful for making you feel better about yourself and your body.

Shift your focus to the things that you like about yourself . For example, if you have beautiful hair or eyes, this is just as important as the features you dislike or that others try to ridicule. The next time you look in the mirror, notice these positive attributes.

Instead of repeating negative messages, accept yourself without criticism . You can tell yourself: “I accept my body just as it is,” or “My body is strong and healthy.”

Be proud of your individuality . Your value as a human being is worth much more than your physical body. Remembering the positive qualities that you bring to the world is the foundation for attaining body acceptance.

Start off with body neutrality . If you’re not quite ready to embrace body positivity, work towards having body neutrality. That means you are accepting and respectful of your body, without having to either love or hate it. When you practice body neutrality, you place the emphasis on what your body can do, rather than what your body looks like. For example, you can remind yourself: “My legs enable me to walk and run long distances.”

Don’t body shame others

Research shows that when you promote body positivity to others, you also feel more positively about your own body. Surround yourself with people who are courteous and treat others with respect. Avoid bullies who engage in body shaming and talk about the flaws of others.

Establish boundaries with your circle of friends and make it clear that you will not tolerate comments about your body or weight. You can also set an example by standing up for others who are the targets of body shaming.

Spending too much time on social media can add to your anxiety, loneliness, and body dissatisfaction, reinforce unrealistic expectations of yourself, and expose you to body shaming and cyberbullying.

[Read: Social Media and Mental Health]

If you reduce your time on social media, you will be able to participate in other activities that elevate your mood and tap into your creative potential. Try:

Connecting to others in-person . Cutting down or stepping away from social media can give you an opportunity to connect in-person and improve the quality of your social interactions. Communicating face-to-face is nature’s antidote to stress and can be a lot more rewarding than texting or messaging.

Physical activities like walking, running, swimming, dancing, and other fun sports. Being active is important for your overall health and well-being and can help increase your confidence, self-esteem, and sense of accomplishment.

Practicing mindfulness through yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or journaling .

If you are shamed or ashamed about your weight, it’s easy to develop an unhealthy attitude towards food. Mindful eating can help you remember that food is not the enemy and whatever your weight, you can still find enjoyment in eating.

To make friends with food and eat more mindfully:

Tune out all distractions while you’re eating, such as phones, TV, and other types of multitasking in order to enrich this pleasant experience.
By concentrating on the present moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings, you can savor each bite, eat slowly, and respond to your body’s needs.
Planning nutritious meals ahead of time or trying out new recipes are other great ways to make friends with food.

You may feel embarrassed about confiding in someone about the body shaming you’re experiencing, but there’s no reason you have to handle this on your own. Reach out to others for guidance and support and let them know what you have been experiencing.

It’s crucial to find someone you trust and feel comfortable sharing your feelings with. Having a safe outlet to express your emotions can help you cope with the distress and humiliation of being body shamed.

If you need additional assistance in the recovery process, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a licensed mental health counselor or therapist. They can offer unbiased advice to help you feel more empowered and heal from the effects of body shaming.

If a friend or loved one is being body shamed by others, your compassion and understanding can be invaluable.

Let them know you are concerned and how much you care about them. You can say, “I feel worried that you are always talking about your weight,” or “I feel sad when you speak negatively about your appearance.”

Be patient and listen to their concerns . Don’t assume that you know what your loved one needs, but rather ask how you can best support them. They may just want a shoulder to cry on, someone to listen to their worries without judgment.

Try to shift the focus away from your loved one’s body to something else you admire about them. For example, you can remind them about their wonderful sense of humor, how smart they are, their adventurous spirit, or highlight a particular talent they have.

If your child has been body shamed

It can be extremely hurtful to learn that your child or teenager has been body shamed. But like any bullying or cyberbullying behavior, there are steps you can take to deal with the problem—or even help prevent it before it starts.

Educate your child about body shaming . Let them know that people can sometimes be cruel to each other and how your child should value and respect both themselves and others. Remind them that body shaming in any form is unacceptable.

Talk to your child’s teachers or school administrators if the problem is occurring at school.

Encourage your child to seek new friends if their current ones are engaging in body shaming. Enrolling in sports teams, youth clubs, and after-school activities are great ways for your child to expand their social circle.

Be a good role model . Speak positively about your own body and catch yourself if you say something negative about your own appearance. Try to use body-positive or body-neutral language to set a healthy example.

Reduce the time your child spends on social media . Be aware of what your child is posting and reading about on social media platforms. The more you know about your child’s life online, the sooner you’ll be able to identify and address any body shaming issues.

Reassure your child . Let your child know that you love them unconditionally for both their inner and outer beauty. Refrain from criticizing or teasing a child or teenager about their appearance, even in jest.

Encourage a healthy lifestyle that nurtures your child’s body—but keep the subjects of appearance, weight, and dieting out of the discussion. Focus instead on what your child’s body is capable of. Remind them how well their body serves to help them run, jump, draw, play a musical instrument, or solve puzzles.

Bolster your child’s self-esteem and resilience through exercise and creative endeavors. Having them involved in team sports, volunteer organizations, or group activities can help build self-confidence and improve social skills. Physical activity can also help to relieve anxiety and stress and boost your child’s mood.

Helplines and support

Bullying helplines.

1-800-273-8255 – Crisis Call Center

0845 22 55 787 – National Bullying Helpline

1-877-352-4497 – BullyingCanada

1800 551 800 – Kids Helpline

1098 – Childline India

Eating disorder helplines

National Eating Disorders Association or call 1-800-931-2237 (National Eating Disorders Association)

Beat Eating Disorders or call 0345 643 1414 (Helpfinder)

Butterfly Foundation for Eating Disorders or call 1800 33 4673 (National Eating Disorders Collaboration)

Service Provider Directory or call 1-866-633-4220 (NEDIC)

More Information

8 steps - 8 steps to mindful eating. Change the way you think about food. (Harvard Health Publishing)
Words Have Weight - A closer look at body-shaming towards ourselves and others. (Psychology Today)
TeensHealth - You don’t need a perfect body to have a good body image. (TeensHealth)
Tips for parents - Tips for parents to help a child’s self-esteem. (KidsHealth)
Feeding and Eating Disorders. (2013) In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . American Psychiatric Association. Link
Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders. (2013). In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . American Psychiatric Association. Link
Gam, Rahul, Shivendra Singh, Manish Manar, Sujita Kar, and Abhishek Gupta. “Body Shaming among School-Going Adolescents: Prevalence and Predictors.” International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health 7 (March 14, 2020). Link
Schlüter, Constanze, Gerda Kraag, and Jennifer Schmidt. “Body Shaming: An Exploratory Study on Its Definition and Classification.” International Journal of Bullying Prevention , November 9, 2021. Link
Voelker, Dana K, Justine J Reel, and Christy Greenleaf. “Weight Status and Body Image Perceptions in Adolescents: Current Perspectives.” Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics 6 (August 25, 2015): 149–58. Link
Weingarden, Hilary, Keith D. Renshaw, Eliza Davidson, and Sabine Wilhelm. “Relative Relationships of General Shame and Body Shame with Body Dysmorphic Phenomenology and Psychosocial Outcomes.” Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders 14 (July 2017): 1–6. Link
BDD. “Suicidality in BDD.” Accessed June 13, 2022. Link
“RED-S | Boston Children’s Hospital.” Accessed June 13, 2022. Link
Vogel, Lauren. “Fat Shaming Is Making People Sicker and Heavier.” CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal 191, no. 23 (June 10, 2019): E649. Link
Clark, Olivia, Matthew M. Lee, Muksha Luxmi Jingree, Erin O’Dwyer, Yiyang Yue, Abrania Marrero, Martha Tamez, Shilpa N. Bhupathiraju, and Josiemer Mattei. “Weight Stigma and Social Media: Evidence and Public Health Solutions.” Frontiers in Nutrition 8 (2021). Link
“Fat Shaming Linked to Greater Health Risks – Penn Medicine.” Accessed June 13, 2022. Link
Zhang, D., Lee, E. K. P., Mak, E. C. W., Ho, C. Y., & Wong, S. Y. S. (2021). Mindfulness-based interventions: An overall review. British Medical Bulletin , 138(1), 41–57. Link
Gelsinger, Ayla. “A Critical Analysis of the Body Positive Movement on Instagram: How Does It Really Impact Body Image?” Spectra Undergraduate Research Journal 1, no. 1 (February 26, 2021). Link
Alleva, Jessica M., Melissa M. Medoch, Kira Priestley, Johanna L. Philippi, Jolien Hamaekers, Eva N. Salvino, Sanne Humblet, and Marieke Custers. “‘I Appreciate Your Body, Because…’ Does Promoting Positive Body Image to a Friend Affect One’s Own Positive Body Image?” Body Image 36 (March 1, 2021): 134–38. Link
Cohen, Rachel, Lauren Irwin, Toby Newton-John, and Amy Slater. “#bodypositivity: A Content Analysis of Body Positive Accounts on Instagram.” Body Image 29 (June 2019): 47–57. Link
Mendo-Lázaro, Santiago, Benito León-del-Barco, María-Isabel Polo-del-Río, Rocío Yuste-Tosina, and Víctor-María López-Ramos. “The Role of Parental Acceptance–Rejection in Emotional Instability During Adolescence.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 7 (April 2019): 1194. Link

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Words Have Power: Can they lead to an eating disorder?

words have power in regards to what is body shaming

March 21, 2019

“You would be a knockout if you lost weight.”

“You need to eat and put some meat on your bones.”

“There is no way that is going to fit you.”

“Are you really going to eat all that?”

“You are SO fat!”

“Your body is disgusting.”

Words matter, and have the power to hurt. Even when we don’t realize it, words can cause someone to pause and pursue unrealistic expectations about their body. According to the National Eating Disorders Association , about 65% of people with eating disorders say that bullying contributed to their condition. Negative connotations about weight and body image can lead to low self-esteem, social isolation, poor body image, and has also been shown to directly contribute to the development of eating disorders .

What is Body Shaming?

Body shaming and fat shaming is the same as bullying, whether it be in person, or online. It is the act or practice of negatively judging someone based on their physical appearance. Typically, people are body shamed when they appear overweight or underweight or don’t fit society’s view of “thin and beautiful”. Our culture loves the ideology of a perfect body, whether it be in print, movies, television, or online, seeing someone who doesn’t fit the mold isn’t considered acceptable to some.

Research conducted by the Yale Rudd Center on Food Policy and Obesity found:

Peer victimization can be directly predicted by weight
64% of students enrolled in weight-loss programs reported experiencing weight-based victimization
33% of girls and 25% of boys report weight-based teasing from peers, but prevalence rates increase to approximately 60% among the heaviest students
84% of students observed students perceived as overweight being called names or getting teased during physical activities

While body shaming has been in society for quite some time, the internet and social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, have brought it to an all-time high. With millions of users signing-on each day, social media platforms open the door for individuals and companies to share unrealistic expectations of an ideal body. Technology has made the focus on appearance easier and given way to a platform that invites body shaming and bullying more frequently.

Instagram is one of the most used social media networks with over 200 million users daily
Snapchat has 161 million users daily
Approximately 65.8% of US companies use Twitter for marketing purposes

“Keyboard courage” plays a key role in making hurtful and derogatory comments toward others online. It is easy to shame someone when behind a screen, making them feel inadequate. Posting body-shaming comments to those they know and don’t know, leaves individuals feeling as if there are no repercussions for their words.

Do words matter to someone’s mental health?

For Megan, her 6-year battle with anorexia began when a close friend said, “ I finally got the abs I’ve always wanted, and look at you with all that belly fat.” Was it meant to cause harm? Probably not, but the effect was life-threatening. The friend’s words lit a match in Megan and set her on the path for an eating disorder. Although she had a supportive family, she hid her disorder. For years, Megan counted calories, looked in the mirror constantly, worked out obsessively, and lived in baggy clothing, ashamed of her body.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association , a mong overweight and obese adults, those who experience weight-based stigmatization:

Engage in more frequent binge eating
Are at an increased risk to develop eating disorder symptoms
Are more likely to have a binge eating disorder
79% of weight-loss program participants report eating more to cope with weight stigma

We often think of body shaming as only happening to people like Megan, but the truth is, nobody is immune from harmful words about their appearance.

In an interview with Teen Vogue , singer Kesha opened up about her experience, “It became a vicious cycle: When I compared myself to others, I would read more mean comments, which only fed my anxiety and depression . Seeing paparazzi photos of myself and the accompanying catty commentary fueled my eating disorder. The sick irony was that when I was at some of the lowest points in my life, I kept hearing how much better I looked. I knew I was destroying my body with my eating disorder, but the message I was getting was that I was doing great.”

Olympic gold medalist Ali Raisman shared how at a young age, words played a role in her body image, “In seventh grade, I was wearing a tank top at school, and one of the boys told me my arms were disgusting. So, I didn’t wear a tank top to school ever again. Thinking about that makes me so sad because I let one kid affect how I see myself.”

Not only does social media and society play a role in body shaming and bullying, but even family members also make us see ourselves differently. Approximately 40% of higher weight kids are teased about their weight by peers or family members. Weight-based stigmatization at home can lead to binge eating , weight gain, and drastic weight control measures. Negative comments make someone vulnerable and lead to an unrealistic expectation about their body.

Supporting those who are victims of negative comments is critical. Listen to them and emphasize that it is not their fault. Knowing they have support can make a difference in preventing an eating disorder or other mental health issues. For families it is critical to set a good example and avoid teasing others about their weight or talking negatively about other people’s bodies, including your own.

How do you help someone with an eating disorder?

Over 30 million people suffer from an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. And just as Megan did, they struggle in silence. Megan’s dad was unaware of her disorder and chalked her changes in mood and eating habits up to adolescence. Megan’s mom noticed the changes also, and confronted her daughter. As Megan poured out her heart and relived the emotional words that sent her spiraling, she began to feel hopeful.

“I had a feeling something was wrong,” Meagan recalls, “but thought I could manage it. There’s this idea if a person is suffering they should just figure it out — that you’re weak if you ask for help. Nothing could be further from the truth. When I finally opened up to Mom, I began to realize how much trouble I was really in.”

While only 20% of those who suffer from an eating disorder seek treatment, 60% of those who do make a full recovery. Therapeutic environments , like Magnolia Creek, are designed to support individuals as they explore the contributing factors related to their eating disorder. At Magnolia Creek , clients engage in regular one-on-one sessions with the entire treatment team , which includes the primary and family therapists, dietitians, and medical staff. In a supportive environment, we work with our clients to develop a customized treatment plan that identifies treatment goals and provides the support needed to achieve and maintain the desired change.

Our evidence-based treatment model integrates experiential therapy and activities designed to build confidence, challenge distorted thinking, and help clients develop effective coping skills through experience and metaphor. Weekly, clients meet with their dietitian to examine personal dietary needs, discuss food preferences, and develop an individualized meal plan.

Magnolia Creek strives to ensure that no one ever feels they are alone in their eating disorder recovery, and we believe that healing and recovery are possible.

Singer Demi Lovato has been outspoken about her eating disorder and bipolar journey. As a role model and an advocate for mental health, she stresses the importance of being open and honest, “It was really hard to talk about on camera,” Demi admits, “but I knew that if I were honest, it would help somebody understand.” She adds, “Sometimes I’m not perfect with my recovery and my eating issues, but I keep fighting. And I want people to see that.”

As we live in a time of social movement and activism, then we should be mindful and aware of words that can lead to life-altering consequences. Demi adds, “I wish I could have told myself that I was beautiful, from my future self,” she says. “People are still going to love you, and you’re beautiful just the way that you are.”

If you or a loved one need help, call Magnolia Creek today at 205-235-6989 or complete our contact form for more information. Our admissions team can help you determine the next steps needed. Magnolia Creek is the place that helps yo become the person you were meat to be.

The Hard Facts About Eating Disorders

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Body Shaming, Body Image, and Eating Disorders

Finding Light in Darkness at Magnolia Creek: Keely’s Story

A Journey to Peace at Magnolia Creek: Julia’s Story

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Public Shaming — The Notion Of Body-Shaming And Its Causes

The Notion of Body-shaming and Its Causes

Categories: Public Shaming

About this sample

Words: 2422 |

13 min read

Published: Mar 14, 2019

Words: 2422 | Pages: 5 | 13 min read

biological and physical effects,
emotional effects,
cognitive effects,
behavior effects.

Conclusion: One Size Does Not Fit All!

Works cited.

Chrisler, J. C. (2017). Sizeism: A growing form of discrimination. In The Oxford Handbook of Feminist Multicultural Counseling Psychology (pp. 195-210). Oxford University Press.
Haspel, R. L. (2018). The science behind obesity: What does the weight of evidence say? Environmental Health Perspectives, 126(2), 022001.
Munro, L. (2018). Everyday indignities: Using the microaggressions framework to understand weight stigma. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 46(2), 500-507.
Black, M. C., & Peacock, N. (2011). Female body image and intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 26(17), 3601-3618.
Palmer-Mehta, V., & Shuler, S. (2017). Body positivity and postpartum bodies on Facebook: An analysis of A Beautiful Body Project. Women's Studies in Communication, 40(4), 360-379.
Cameron, K. (2016). Challenging size matters messages: An exploration of the experiences of critical obesity scholars in higher education. Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 46(2), 119-138.
Puhl, R. M., & Heuer, C. A. (2010). Obesity stigma: Important considerations for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 100(6), 1019-1028.
Phelan, S. M., Burgess, D. J., Yeazel, M. W., Hellerstedt, W. L., Griffin, J. M., & van Ryn, M. (2015). Impact of weight bias and stigma on quality of care and outcomes for patients with obesity. Obesity Reviews, 16(4), 319-326.
Major, B., Hunger, J. M., Bunyan, D. P., & Miller, C. T. (2014). The ironic effects of weight stigma. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 51, 74-80.
Puhl, R. M., Peterson, J. L., & Luedicke, J. (2013). Motivating or stigmatizing? Public perceptions of weight-related language used by health providers. International Journal of Obesity, 37(4), 612-619.

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