It can be about your own body or someone else’s.
It fuels insecurity, promotes unhealthy behaviors, and reinforces that our value is tied to our appearance.
We’ll also explore what we can do to unlearn these harmful patterns to create a more body-positive mindset.
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Historically, however, that hasn’t always been the case.
Who Are the Targets of Body Shaming?
Below are the various reasons why people might be body shamed.
Weight
One of the most common reasons people are body shamed is because of their weight.
Someone might be body shamed for being “too big” or “too thin.”
People in thinner bodies can also be shamed for their weight.
Research has shown that fat shaming is harmful and actually drives weight gain.
It contributes to poor metabolic health, weight gain, stress, and an increased risk for binge eating.
Food
Food-shaming is generally done in relation to body size.
it’s possible for you to also food-shame yourself.
This is a prime example of clothing-shaming.
Age
Also known asageism, age-shaming is discrimination or bullying towards people because of their age.
This usually focuses on the elderly or the older population.
Hair
Western society has long focused on sleek, shiny, straight hair as the ideal.
Thus, hair with curls, kinks, or other textures has been viewed as less attractive.
This is known as texture-shaming.
An example of texture shaming is, “They’re so brave to wear their hair natural.”
While that sounds like a compliment, it’s actually an insult.
Additionally, bald-shaming happens to people of all genders who have receding hairlines or thinning/balding scalps.
Why Do We Need to Stop Body Shaming?
Body shaming isn’t just hurtfulit has many adverse effects on mental health.
It reinforces harmful beauty standards and damages self-esteem.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Making a point of not being a body shamer is the kinder option for all people, yourself included.
Being intentional about not engaging in various types of shaming may lead to better mental wellness.
In addition to not body shaming, it can be helpful to be more body-inclusive.
Below are some ways you might stop contributing to body shaming culture.
Instead, why not think of something nice to say to the person?
It’s the notion of accepting bodies as they are, without casting judgment on them.
This can apply to your own body and the bodies of others.
Body neutrality encourages a focus on the positive functions that bodies can perform.
But it’s a healthy thing to do for ourselves.
Plus, it sets a good example and saves other people from harm.
This can be hurtful for anyone around you, especially those who are larger.
However, there is still more work to do.
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