Is Body Positivity Enough? Rethinking Our Relationship with the Body

In recent years, the body positivity movement has gained significant momentum, promoting the acceptance of all body types and challenging traditional beauty standards. But is this approach enough to address the complex realities of body image and eating disorders?

The evolution of body positivity

Body positivity emerged as a response to weight-based stigma and appearance-based discrimination. It has empowered many individuals to embrace their bodies and reject harmful cultural norms about thinness and perfection.

However, recent studies suggest that for some people—especially those struggling with eating disorders—the pressure to always love one’s body can feel unrealistic, overwhelming, or even counterproductive. When self-acceptance becomes another ideal to achieve, it can create feelings of guilt and failure if the person doesn’t “measure up” emotionally.

Moving toward body neutrality

As an alternative, the concept of body neutrality is gaining ground. This perspective encourages us to focus less on how our bodies look and more on what they do. Instead of striving to love every part of the body all the time, body neutrality promotes respect, functionality, and presence.

Research shows that adopting a body-neutral approach can reduce anxiety around appearance and support healthier, more sustainable self-care habits. It invites a more grounded relationship with the body—one based on trust, not constant emotional investment.

The role of social media

Social media has played a powerful role in spreading body positivity messages, but it has also contributed to the normalization of curated, idealized images that can distort reality and harm self-image.

Recent studies reveal that limiting exposure to social media can improve body image and emotional well-being. Actively following content that promotes body diversity and authenticity can help create a more compassionate inner narrative.

Integrating these perspectives into ED treatment

In the treatment of eating disorders, it is essential to adopt an individualized, person-centered approach. At Proyecto ART, we believe that both body positivity and body neutrality can be valuable tools—as long as they are adapted to the person’s stage of recovery and psychological context.

We work to support our patients in reconnecting with their body not as an object to control, but as a space to inhabit and care for. Through a multidisciplinary framework, we promote body awareness, emotional connection, and the development of a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food and self.

References:

Albert, S. L., et al. (2024). Body Positivity, Physical Health, and Emotional Well-Being Discourse on Social Media: Content Analysis of Lizzo’s Instagram. JMIR Formative Research, 8(1), e60541. https://formative.jmir.org/2024/1/e60541
Fardouly, J., et al. (2023). Small exposure to body positive content can improve body image. UNSW Newsroom. https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2023/01/small-exposure-to-body-positive-content-can-improve-body-image
Mental Health Foundation. (2019). Body image report – Executive Summary. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/articles/body-image-report-executive-summary

Is Body Positivity Enough? Rethinking Our Relationship with the Body

Is Body Positivity Enough? Rethinking Our Relationship with the Body

The evolution of body positivity

Moving toward body neutrality

The role of social media

Integrating these perspectives into ED treatment

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