In a time of shallow social media trends and fabulously fit bodies, studies show nearly 73% of adults feel dissatisfied with their body image. Thus, the body positivity movement, which emphasizes consistent love and acceptance for one’s body, has grown in popularity to counteract these societal standards. However, body positivity may not be the productive force it claims to be.
Although the body positivity movement can be empowering, the constant pressure to always love your body may not be realistic. Body positivity may invalidate individuals who are struggling with their body image.
Instead, students should shift the societal conversation from body positivity to body neutrality.
“Body positivity isn’t (a sustainable approach),” said Madeline Shaw, mental health promotion coordinator at the Longhorn Wellness Center. “Body neutrality is helping to support greater self-compassion and less self-criticism … as we start to develop programs that … embed that principle throughout conversations and activities.”
In the long run, body neutrality is more mentally sustainable, as incessant self-love is not only unrealistic but physically and mentally draining.
“Struggling with body image can also impact physical health,” said Brittany O’Malley, associate director of prevention at the Longhorn Wellness Center. “If people are focused on their appearance and feeling unhealthy in their bodies, they might be more likely to engage in other behaviors that aren’t healthy for them. … We also know negative body image is a significant risk factor for developing an eating disorder.”
The neutral approach focuses more on one’s health than appearance, which can alleviate stress from persistent conversation around body image. Christopher Hernandez, an electrical and computer engineering freshman, describes his experience with body image and the potentially damaging effects of commentary from family.
“It bothers me because it’s so random (when my father will) bring it up,” Hernandez said. “My image has gotten a lot better, but it’s still something that affects me. … I used to be overweight. I’m not trying to hide it, but there’s no need to bring it up.”
While body positivity isn’t inherently wrong, it represents an overly optimistic way of addressing self-image. Students are inclined to follow whatever approach supports their mindset, but providing the option of neutrality unlocks the door to broader acceptance of one’s self-perception.
“Because of how the media has talked about body image, there’s a conversation that’s happening among students related to questions of body positivity versus neutrality,” Shaw said. “People are considering that there might be different ways that you could feel about your body.”
By approaching the conversation differently, students can affirm a healthier mindset in appreciating their bodies and health. The Longhorn Wellness Center hosts multiple programs that emphasize body neutrality rather than positivity. By attending events like these, students can introduce themselves to a perspective of body neutrality.
“A peer-to-peer modality (for communication) is very effective,” Shaw said. “People (can think) about how they influence each other, their own bodies, (the) type of environment they want to create (or) having a shared space that feels supportive and isn’t so harsh.”
As much as people preach self-love, it’s not realistic to always love yourself, and that’s OK. Everyone’s journey to accept their body can and should look different. Body neutrality is an outlook that acknowledges these differences and offers acceptance, leading to a greater appreciation of self-love.
Lam is a computer science freshman from Mansfield, Texas.
