The negative side of body positivity

The Negative Side of Body Positivity

Body positivity is a movement that has helped our societal perspective on body image to evolve. It's a powerful force that encourages self-love and acceptance, promoting the idea that all bodies, regardless of size, shape, or appearance, are worthy of respect and admiration. This shift has been crucial in challenging unrealistic beauty standards and reducing stigma associated with diverse body types. For many, it has been liberating, fostering a healthier relationship with their bodies and boosting mental well-being.

However, as a nutritionist working closely with performing artists, I've observed an unintended consequence of this well-meaning movement. The original intention of body positivity was to remove the stigma and pressure surrounding physical appearance, but it seems to have inadvertently created a new kind of pressure: the pressure to avoid pursuing health and fitness goals.

In the world of performing arts, maintaining a certain level of fitness is often necessary for the demands of the profession. Dancers, actors, and musicians rely heavily on their physical health to perform at their best. Yet, the body positivity movement, in its extreme form, can sometimes discourage individuals from engaging in health-promoting behaviors, for fear of being labeled as conforming to societal pressures or betraying the movement's ideals.

I would argue that caring for your body by embracing health and fitness is the clearest demonstration of loving your body.

I've had clients express guilt over their desire to lose weight or improve their fitness, feeling as though these goals are incompatible with body positivity. This internal conflict can lead to neglecting important aspects of their health. Instead of embracing a balanced approach, some individuals may avoid necessary lifestyle changes, resulting in physical detriments that impact their performance and overall well-being.

In some, more extreme cases, individuals have even expressed that they have been directly shamed or criticised by others for making lifestyle or physiological changes in pursuit of long term health and fitness goals. Unfortunately, like all powerful ideas, some people will choose to harness them for selfish reasons.

The crux of the issue lies in the misunderstanding of what body positivity should embody. True body positivity isn't about disregarding health and fitness goals; it's about finding a harmonious balance between self-acceptance and self-improvement. It's entirely possible to love and accept your body while also striving to enhance your health, strength, and endurance. I would argue that caring for your body by embracing health and fitness is the clearest demonstration of loving your body.

In my practice, I emphasise the importance of a holistic approach to health. This means recognising that pursuing fitness goals can coexist with body positivity. It's about making informed, sustainable choices that prioritise well-being without succumbing to societal pressures or extreme measures.

It's crucial for individuals claiming to advocate for body positivity to support this balanced perspective. Encouraging individuals to pursue their health goals, not out of a sense of inadequacy, but from a place of self-respect and care, is the key. Empowering people to take charge of their health, without guilt or fear of judgment, aligns with the true spirit of body positivity.

While the ideals of body positivity have brought about much-needed change in how we view and treat our bodies, it's essential to address the unintended pressure it can impose. As a nutritionist in the performing arts sector, my goal is to help clients navigate this complex landscape, fostering a healthy relationship with their bodies that encompasses both acceptance and proactive self-care. By doing so, we can ensure that the movement remains a positive force, promoting genuine well-being in all its forms.