What Is Body Positivity?

To some generations, the term "body positivity" is brand new. To others, it's a staple of social media feeds and frequently discussed amongst friends. But no matter what an individual's experience with the phrase has been, there's no denying its continued splash on the health scene.

A Brief History of the Body Positive Movement

The Body Positive Movement spawned from the Fat Liberation Movement of the 1960s, and was created by the National Association to Aid Fat Americans, which is now known as the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAfinancembinc.com), an organization that advocates for the rights of plus size people.

The Body Positivity Movement that we know today was inspired by the work of NAfinancembinc.com. As weight bias was explored, diet culture began to be criticized, and body acceptance and self-love became more mainstream.

In 2000, the "fatosphere," a collection of blogs and personal sites provided a safe space for the Fat Acceptance Movement. The body positivity movement began to go "viral" in the mid-2000s thanks to social media, and hashtags like #bodypositivity and #BoPo.

In 2016 it was reported that the average woman wore a size 16 or 18. This statistic showcased how there was a need for greater representation of body types, refuting diet culture's thin-ideal.

In the last two decades, body positivity has continued to grow in popularity, from the advertisement methods retailers lean on to how individuals use social media platforms as advocacy opportunities for a body-positive space.

What the Research Says

Research shows that societies that idolize thinness present higher rates of body dissatisfaction. Studies have concluded that white cultures tend to promote thinness more than in BIPOC communities. Black Americans evaluate their appearance more positively (and even desire larger bodies); white Americans tend to evaluate their bodies more negatively.

Just as racial demographics are seen to impact one's perception of their body, more differences can be noted amongst different genders. It is more likely for women to have body image concerns than men.

But demographics aside, body positivity has the ability to be understood thanks to a variety of social shifts. Studies have shown that people exposed to the body positive movement on social media (specifically Instagram) reported higher body satisfaction and improved emotional wellbeing. Additionally, ad campaigns from companies such as Aerie Real and Dove Real Beauty have been seen to positively influence self-esteem and mood.

While an individual's background might impact how they once saw themselves, current tools and social changes have the ability to shift mindsets for the benefit of the body positive movement.

Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality

While body positivity is all about loving the appearance of your body at any shape and size, body neutrality focuses on having a neutral relationship with your body outside of appearance. Neither loving or hating it, but appreciating it for all that it does for you.

Body positivity has been under fire for adopting an idea of toxic positivity, because of its all-or-nothing approach to body acceptance, and the pressure to have to love your body. We may not all love the appearance of our body all of the time, and this is the space for body neutrality to shine.

What This Means for You

It's important to understand that body size is not an indicator of health. In fact, studies are indicating that body mass index (BMI) is not an accurate indicator of future health risks, and is not the defining characteristic of obesity as a disease.

Health is determined by proper nutrition and exercise. Prioritizing 30 minutes of activity a day, eating fruits, vegetables, foods lower in added sugar, whole grains, and lean sources of protein, and making sure your exercise covers endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility, will all help you obtain a healthy lifestyle at any size.

Learning to love and accept your body during your health journey—no matter what stage you're in—can impact your overall quality of life. Working toward health goals while maintaining a mindset of body positivity is a balance that has the ability to serve you well mentally and physically.

A Word From Verywell

It's important to remember that weight is not an indicator of health, but a healthy lifestyle is important for disease prevention. If you are struggling with body image, understanding what a healthy body looks like for you, or an unhealthy relationship with food, see a health care professional.