Knowingly or unknowingly, we all have indeed been a part of a conversation where we have commented regarding one's appearance or judged them based on their looks. It's human nature and inescapable; however, the problem arises when while talking about someone, we make the person feel inferior or insult them.

Matchstick, Black Swan - sounds like the name of a bird or thing... Well, sadly, that's not the only way these words are used. Yes, you read it right. One can commonly hear these words being used to refer to a person; for e.g. a chubby person being called an elephant.

One can easily blame it on the times that we are living, where beauty standards have risen to great heights of perfection. Everyone wants to look perfect, thanks to the glamorous images we are constantly bombarded with through social media, advertisements and other sources. This has increased instances where people easily demean those even with the slightest imperfection, and this is what we call body shaming.

What Is Body Shaming?

In simple terms, it is a form of bullying in which a person's physical appearance is targeted. Whenever we talk negatively about a person's body, be it about a person's size, age, height, hair, clothes, food consumption, or level of perceived attractiveness, it constitutes a form of body shaming.

It is a result of a popular opinion that thin bodies with fair colour are inherently better and healthier than larger bodies. People of all ages and genders can be a target.

One of the most common reasons people are still body shamed is based on their colour. Fair body colour is an obsession even today. Many people also have to face criticism for their weight. For example, they might be body-shamed for being "too big" or "too thin." Another way is age-shaming people by discriminating against or bullying them because of their age.

Types of Body Shaming

Body shaming can happen in various forms.

1. Tabloids: Mocking a popular person for doing things like crying, not wearing makeup, and leaving the gym.

2. Self Criticism: Looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking, "I look so fat & ugly," or making that comment about someone else.

3. Backhanded Compliment: It is by making a statement that has a critical undertone related to physical appearance. Giving someone advice about dieting or praising weight loss (where it is not related to health) is also considered body shaming.

4. Advertisement: You would often find models with so-called "perfect" bodies being the limelight of advertisements. Youngsters take them as their role models and constantly compare themselves with the personalities of these celebrities. Also, ads constantly offer tips about how to lose weight "in days" and appear slimmer "instantly."

Impact of Body Shaming

Body shaming has myriad negative consequences on mental health. Here are some important ones:

1. People who are body shamed have a significantly elevated risk of depression.

2. It may lead to eating disorders.

3. Additionally, these can lead to anxiety, psychological distress and suicide.

4. It contributes to the lowering of self-esteem.

5. This can become destructive when it diminishes your self-worth and body image.

Turning body shaming into body positivity

In recent times, there has been an effort to reverse the body shaming by emphasising and promoting more love and acceptance of how we look. People have voiced their satisfaction and acceptance of who they are and how they look, along with encouraging others to do the same. Prejudices ingrained in us regarding body types will definitely need some unlearning to develop a non-toxic environment. It is a continuous journey towards accepting yourself and others. You need to take small steps like a non-judgemental attitude & taking a stand against body shaming incidents to achieve it. You can't control what others say or do, but you can change your all-or-nothing thinking.

Overcoming Body Shaming

If you are looking for ways to overcome Body Shaming, follow these simple methods and gradually witness the change in yourself

• Start by replacing negative self-talk with self-affirmations.
• Stop body-shaming yourself or comparing yourself with others.
• Cultivate the feeling of self-love.
• Manage your time spent on social media.
• Make friends with food and habits that make you happy.
• Reach out to someone you trust for guidance and support.

Key Takeaways

Body shaming is never acceptable and can be damaging to a person's mental health. Everyone's body is unique and beautiful in its own way, and no one should ever be made to feel ashamed of themselves because of how they look. It's important to remember that beauty is subjective and that everyone has their own unique qualities that make them beautiful. We must accept the fact that worldwide beauty standards that can be difficult to meet. We can begin to fight body shaming by embracing our own unique beauty is the best way to be content and confident in yourself is the key and by practicing speaking positively about ourselves and our bodies, and noticing qualities about ourselves and others that we like and appreciate. Don't let anyone tell you there's only one way to be beautiful- it's all in the eye of the beholder!

References

- University Of Minnesota. Changing the Conversation: Body Shaming [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://med.umn.edu/news/changing-conversation-body-shaming

- Choosing Therapy. (2022, April 24). Body Shaming: Definition, Why We Do It, & How to Overcome [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/body-shaming/

- Resnick, A. (2022, January 28). What Is Body Shaming? [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-body-shaming-5202216

- Schulger, A. (2022, December 05). Body Shaming: Causes, Effects, and Improving Your Body Image [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/body-shaming.htm

- Vergas, E. Body Shaming: What Is It & Why Do We Do It? [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://www.waldeneatingdisorders.com/blog/body-shaming-what-is-it-why-do-we-do-it/