I recently spoke about body shaming on Instagram and I was inundated with messages from people recounting their stories of being body shamed. It’s appalling just how widespread it is.
Body shaming is so wrong and it’s the cause of so, so many issues. I don’t think people realise the extent of the pain their comments cause (at least, I hope they just don’t realise). It can lead to serious body dissatisfaction, disordered eating or eating disorders. Again, it’s not a funny joke.
It’s hard to know how to react or what to say when someone feels they have the right to comment on your appearance (they don’t, by the way).
Here are a few suggestions from us:
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Choose what you consume online and in real life. Surround yourself with positive influences that allow you to feel good within yourself, even if that means distancing from some long term friends.
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Choose to believe that you can be at peace your body. You might not be there yet, but it’s possible. If I can do it, so can you.
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Make sure you fully believe that body shaming reflects entirely on the person making the comment, and not on you. It’s their issues and insecurities speaking, don’t let them become yours.
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It doesn’t have to always be your responsibility to educate people. It can be exhausting fighting back against negativity, sometimes you have to rest and come back stronger next time.
But above all, make sure you know that it is NOTHING to do with you.