Let’s be brutally honest here. And trust me, this is something that’s been swirling in my consciousness for a while now. You know how the internet loves a good pendulum swing? It makes me wonder if the body positivity movement, something that started with such genuinely wonderful intentions, might have inadvertently swung a little too far and is now… dare I say it… bordering on fit shaming.
There, I said it.
Have We Swung Too Far on Body Positivity?
I’ve been a big supporter of body positivity from the very beginning. The idea that every body, no matter their shape or size, deserves love and acceptance is something I wholeheartedly believe in. It’s amazing to stand against the unrealistic beauty standards often pushed by the media. For too long, we were overwhelmed with images that made perfection look unattainable, leaving so many of us feeling insecure and down on ourselves. This movement feels like such a refreshing change, a wonderful way to challenge that harmful narrative.
But lately, I’ve been thinking about something. There’s this little voice in my head that’s been getting a bit louder. It’s the one that picks up on those side-eyes when someone talks about wanting to lose weight or build muscle just for looks. It’s the feeling that admitting you care about how you look is somehow shallow or… (gasp)… anti-body-positive.
And honestly, that feels a bit twisted.
Think about it. Isn’t taking care of your body in every way a lovely way to show yourself some respect? Wanting to feel good and look good is such a valid desire. I see so many people enjoying meal prep, hitting the gym, and just glowing with their results. But it’s interesting how they often start their conversations with a statement like, “Of course, health is the main thing…” as if admitting to wanting a little aesthetic payoff is a shameful secret.
And you know who I really feel for in this? My gay brethren. It’s true that the gay community has often focused on physical appearance, and while that can come with its own challenges and unrealistic standards, the wish to look good and feel attractive is something many of us deeply value. Lately, though, it seems like there’s this unspoken expectation to tone down those desires. It feels as if embracing our wish to look our best is being misunderstood as internalized oppression.
Isn’t it possible to find a balance between body positivity and our aesthetic goals? We can definitely love ourselves as we are while also working towards a physique that boosts our confidence and makes us feel attractive. Why does wanting visible abs suddenly make you the enemy of self-acceptance?
It seems like we’ve ended up with this odd split where focusing on your health is seen as virtuous, but caring about how you look can feel a bit shallow. But don’t they often go hand in hand? Eating nutritious foods not only boosts your health but can also give you that healthy glow. Hitting the weights for strength and longevity can help shape a physique that makes you feel really confident. And doing some cardio for heart and mind health can also help you achieve that slimmer look. It’s all connected and totally okay to care about both.
Why are we policing the motivations behind self-care? If someone feels more confident and happy with a certain appearance, and they’re achieving it in a healthy and sustainable way, who are we to judge? Perhaps the real issue isn’t body positivity itself, but the rigid interpretation it can sometimes take. We can create a more nuanced space where celebrating all bodies coexists with the freedom to pursue aesthetic goals without shame. Let’s acknowledge that for some, looking good is a genuine form of self-expression and a powerful source of confidence—and that’s perfectly okay.
Brutal honesty? It’s time to loosen the reins a bit. Let’s celebrate our bodies at every stage and pursue our aesthetic goals without feeling like we’re betraying the body positivity movement. Ultimately, the goal is to feel good in our own skin, no matter what that looks like or what motivates us to care for it. If looking good is part of that journey, let’s welcome it openly and unapologetically.