I’m sure we’ve all heard of the words body positivity, body love, and body neutrality. These social movements have been a topic of discussion for a while now, and as a part of the body image community online, I thought I’d help give you some definitions of these terms, and let you to decide what one is best for you, or is there even a best one?
When it comes to our bodies and how we feel about them, there are three different approaches that are often discussed: body positivity, body acceptance, and body neutrality. Each approach has its own unique perspective and benefits, but which one is the best, or is there even a best option? Let’s dive in.
Body Positivity
Body positivity is a movement that aims to celebrate all body types regardless of size, shape, or appearance. The movement began as a way to promote body diversity and to challenge the unrealistic beauty standards set by society. The idea behind body positivity is that all bodies are beautiful, and everyone should feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. This approach recognizes that societal beauty standards have historically excluded certain bodies, and works to challenge those standards in order to promote a more diverse and inclusive definition of beauty. Body positivity encourages us to challenge societal norms and advocate for inclusivity and representation in the media and other areas of our lives. By embracing body positivity, one can help promote self-love, confidence, and a sense of belonging for all.
Body Acceptance
Body acceptance is similar to body positivity, but it goes a step further. Body acceptance is about accepting your body as it is, without feeling the need to change it. It is about acknowledging that your body is unique and that it is the only one you have. Body acceptance encourages individuals to focus on their health and well-being rather than their appearance. Body acceptance is a more radical approach to body positivity as it challenges the idea that everyone needs to have a specific body type to be considered attractive or healthy. It promotes the idea that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and that every body is worthy of love and respect. And I must say, I think this is the one I tend to lean towards on most days. There are some days I’m all about body positivity, but most days, personally, I’m body acceptance.
Body Neutrality
Body neutrality is a relatively new concept that has gained traction in recent years. Unlike body positivity and body acceptance, body neutrality is not about loving or accepting your body. It is about being neutral towards your body, not attaching any emotions or judgments to it. It's about taking the focus off of our bodies altogether and instead, focusing on what they can do for us. Body neutrality encourages us to treat our bodies with respect and care, but without placing too much emphasis on their appearance. It encourages individuals to focus on what their bodies can do rather than how they look, and promotes the idea that body image should not be a focus of our lives and that we should not let it control how we feel about ourselves. By focusing on what our bodies can do for us, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for our bodies, which can lead to a positive and empowering relationship with ourselves.
So, which approach is the best? The truth is, it depends on the individual. Everyone's relationship with their body is unique, and what works for you may not work for some one else. However, all three approaches have the potential to promote a healthy body image. By exploring each approach and finding what works for us, we can cultivate a positive and empowering relationship with ourselves. Ultimately, the best approach is one that allows us to feel comfortable and confident in our own skin.
What one do you feel like you lean towards the most?
Kayleigh x
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