Body shame

Something that you often see nowadays is the so-called body activism, i.e. individuals who ignore all body ideals and show off their bodies, for example on instagram and other social media. no matter what they look like. By the way, about 98% seem to be overweight women (according to the current norm), which is not so strange because men apparently get to look the way they want without having to experience disapproving looks and offensive comments.

These women are worth more than gold for their courage and their willingness to change their view of body ideals and norms.

The intention is to emphasize that our bodies look different and that it is perfectly okay, that beauty standards are outdated, misogynistic and that they force anxiety in young girls and in the worst case diseases such as anorexia and bulimia.

But most people who needs larger than medium size clothes still struggle with their self-perception, they hide under loose fitted clothes and would never order a cream cake at the coffee shop for fear of other guests' meaningful glances.

You always make sure not to be in close proximity to a slim person because you then clearly make visible the difference in body shape to any observers. You make sure to eat any meals in as empty localities as possible and rather order chicken salad than the burger you are so hungry for.

You hate when the clothes are too tight and want a large air space between the skin and the garment, so you sneak off to the Big Size department to buy your clothes. You avoid the fitting room and measure a little quickly around the stomach, pay and hurry home to try. Very often it ends with an embarrassing return visit for a change to a larger size ....

It does not get any better when some women with a few extra kilos complain on social media about how disgustingly fat they are and how they can not show up on the beach due to a tiny fat roll in the waist or a little extra meat on the thighs. 

Sure, I understand that they are fishing for likes and comments like "but you are beautiful and not fat at all", but they don't think about what this sends for signals to insecure women and younger girls.

Wouldn't it be great to let go of all body fixation and accept yourself and the body you live in. Improve your appearance if you want to or ignore it, but at the same time have enough knowledge to be aware of the consequences. Excessive obesity can be dangerous in most disease states and can also be the cause of a lot of them.

I myself have always been more or less overweight, I was a chubby child and have, except for a short period in my teens, continued to be chubby. It took a long time to realize that this is simply my body shape and accept it. Keeping fit has nothing to do with body shape.

It's been a long time since I cared about how I look, I've got more important physical problems to concentrate on. Admittedly, everything is connected, ie that body shape and weight can affect some diagnoses negatively, as I just mentioned, but certain disease states can also complicate a lifestyle change. If the ability to move is severely impaired and almost excludes exercise, it is only the food intake that can be regulated to reduce the body weight.

Age is also a factor that helps to let go on appearance fixation. The older you get, the easier it becomes. I understand that young girls are harmed by the body norm that prevails and which has been in force for a long time, but it's hoped that it can change in the future, e.g. through positive body activism, preferably by younger women.

And to all the fat men with big bellies and sagging boobs. Just shut the f*ck up about your  opinions about women's appearance, whether they are positive or negative, none of us are the least bit interested in what you think, so just close the cake hole .....

... and to girls, women and aunts in all body shapes: 

You Go Girl!

XOXO