Body Shame and Bullying – How it Relates to Eating Disorders
Body shame is when negative comments about body shape and size are made about oneself or someone else. Body shaming can take place to a person of any size, no matter if they are considered overweight, underweight, or within a normal weight
While intentional comments such as bullying about body size are most associated as examples of body shaming, it can also include any thoughts or comments that are made in a joking manner or focus on things that influence body size, such as food consumption
Who Experiences Body Shame and Bullying?
It’s safe to say that everyone experiences some level of body shame, even if it comes from themselves. Society has filled our timelines and newsfeeds with nothing but ads and images on how to have the perfect beach bod, or the quickest way to lose weight, the cleanest diets to make you healthy, or whatever the latest fad or trend is.
These standards and ideals highly effect children and young teens who soak up social media like sponges. According to NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association, “Research shows that by the age of six, girls start to express concerns about their own weight or shape. Of elementary school-aged girls in the United States, 40-60% are worried about their weight.”
Not only are children being influenced by society’s standards of what a “beautiful body” is, they are getting bullied by their families and peers when they don’t quite fit the mold of those unrealistic standards. “Up to 40% of overweight girls and 37% of overweight boys are teased about their weight by peers or family members. Weight teasing leads to weight gain, binge eating, and extreme weight control measures”
What Are the Effects of Body Shame and Bullying?
Body shaming can lead to many harmful effects such as eating disorders, body dysmorphia, mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, as well as poor relationships with oneself, body, and exercise.
“Many who struggle from an eating disorder cite bullying as an initial trigger for their eating disorder.” Society’s obsession with being thin sets a lot of inaccurate standards for what a beautiful or healthy body should look like. Having a negative body image can lead to extreme weight control or excessive exercise.
How Can We Stop Body Shame and Improve Our Mental Health?
We can help stop body shame by being kinder – to others and ourselves. All bodies are beautiful, at any size. Eliminate any negative self-talk about your body and start practicing more positive practices throughout your day. Start learning to love yourself.
We should change the focus of our conversations and social media to topics that are unrelated to body, diets, or exercise. Most social media platforms will allow you to hide topics or report others that are body shaming others. If you hear someone being body shamed or bullied, you have a choice to speak up. Change will not take place until we decide to take control of media and social standards. Remember that I love you, and you should love you too!
If you or someone you know is struggling, head to the Resources page for help or further education.
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