The Intersection of Body Positivity and Body Neutrality
The fitness industry and social media use the terms “Body Positivity” and “Body Neutrality” interchangeably and as mutually exclusive, falsely indicating that they are either mean the same thing or that you can only embrace one ideal. Both terms have value and their meanings should be explored to determine which works best for the individual.
Defining Body Positivity and Body Neutrality
Body Positivity - the social movement that advocates for the acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, sex or physical abilities, aspiring to encourage all people to celebrate their body for what it is without shaming it for what it is not.
Body Neutrality - the approach acknowledges that your body is only one part of who you are - not the totality. The perception of your body shouldn’t dominate how you feel about yourself. It is a way to acknowledge the body you have without putting a consequential value on it.
The difference between the two is the amount of value you put on your body. Body Positivity encourages you to believe that your body is valuable because it is beautiful no matter what, while Body Neutrality focuses on the idea that your self-worth is not tied to your body at all.
How can someone use both?
Body Positivity and Body Neutrality can be used in tandem to create a flexible ideology that reflects your life and mental state authentically.
To use Body Positivity: Body Positivity can be used to minimize long held, internalized beliefs about what a body should look like. For example, hanging body positive signs in frequently used areas can help the subconscious rewrite the narrative a person has about their body.
To use Body Neutrality: Body Neutrality can be used when the affirmations of love and acceptance towards a body seem disingenuous and toxic. For example, using a mantra like “my body is not the most interesting thing about me” can help support the narrative that the way you look does not take priority over the other facets of your identity.
Some Body Positive and Neutral sayings to use
Body Positive:
I am perfect as I am.
I am happy with how I look.
I like the person I see in the mirror.
Body Neutral:
How can I honor my body today?
My body works hard and deserves kindness.
All bodies are different and that’s totally fine.
Still not sure how to unmuddy the mindset? At My Health Matters, we are here to chat about what feels most supportive for you. From your mindset to physical movement, we strive to meet you where you are and encourage you to move and live in a way that feels authentic and supportive of who you are that day.
Check out our website at www.mhmfitwell.com or email us at info@mhmfitwell.com.
“What’s the Difference Between Body Positivity and Body Neutrality?” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, April 22, 2022, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/body-positivity-vs-body-neutrality.
