What is the Body Positive Movement, and Why Does it Matter?

The body positive movement is a social movement that challenges traditional social norms and societal beauty standards that promote the idea that we must be thin or fit in order to be accepted, or to be considered beautiful. The body positive movement encourages and celebrates body diversity, self-acceptance and self-love, regardless of size, shape, or appearance. It encourages individuals to accept and appreciate their bodies for what they are, regardless of any physical “imperfections”. The body positive movement also challenges stereotypes and stigma regarding physical appearance and encourages people to be comfortable in their own skin.

5 ways to support the body positive movement

1. Follow body positive accounts on social media & engage with the content.

2. Speak up when you hear people making negative comments about their own or someone else's body.

3. Make an effort to compliment people on traits other than their physical appearance, to reduce the significance we place on how a person looks.

4. Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable, regardless of size or shape.

5. Make sure to practice self-care, and know that you are worthy of love and respect. Love yourself first, because it all starts at home. 💕

How the body positive movement started

The body positive movement began in 1996 when the non-profit organization The Body Positive was founded by Elizabeth Scott, Connie Sobczak, and Anne Becker. This organization aimed to empower individuals to have a healthier and more positive relationship with their bodies and to challenge the negative media messages about body image. Since then, the body positive movement has grown in popularity, with many different organizations, websites, and social media campaigns dedicated to celebrating body diversity, promoting self-love, and raising awareness about eating disorders and body image issues.

5 ways being body positive benefits women

1. Increased self-confidence: When women are body positive, they no longer feel the need to compare themselves to others. Instead, they focus on their own unique strengths, talents, and abilities, leading to improved self-confidence.

2. Improved mental health: Research has shown that when women are more body positive, they experience less depression and anxiety. This can lead to improved mental health and overall wellbeing.

3. Better physical health: When women are more body positive, they are more likely to take care of their physical health. This can include exercising, eating nutritious meals, and getting regular checkups.

4. Greater acceptance of diversity: Women who are body positive are more likely to accept and appreciate differences in body shape and size. This leads to greater acceptance and appreciation of diverse body types.

5. Improved relationships: Body positivity can help women build better, more meaningful relationships with others. This is because they become less focused on physical appearance, and more focused on other qualities and characteristics.

Some great online resources for learning more about the body positive movement

1. National Eating Disorders Association – Body Positive Resources.

2. Positively Positive – A blog that shares stories of people who have overcome body negativity.

3. The Body Positive – A movement that promotes self-acceptance and body diversity.

I hope these resources help you on your journey to self-love and acceptance!