BODY IMAGE. The blog.
Body image… thankfully a topic that has gained significant traction in the last decade, as more awareness and critique has reached mainstream dialogue challenging the pervasive influence of unrealistic standards of beauty and “health”.
Let’s unpack some of the history, key concepts and messages of the body image movement over the years.
Body image and feminism
The origins of the body image movement can be traced back to the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s, which called for greater representation and autonomy for women. Early feminists recognized that societal beauty standards were not just superficial concerns but powerful tools of control that kept women focused on their appearance rather than their capabilities, ambitions, or intellect. Books like Naomi Wolf's The Beauty Myth (1990) exposed how these standards were used to undermine women's progress by keeping them obsessed with achieving an unattainable ideal.
Feminism has also intersected with advocates and activists from diverse groups of race, ability, and gender - critiquing the “desirable” body being thin/athletic, white, and physically able.
Health At Every Size (HAES)
By the 1990s, the movement gained momentum with the emergence of the Health at Every Size (HAES) philosophy, which advocates for the acceptance of all body sizes, with the 5 core principles of:
Weight inclusivity: Accept and respect the inherent diversity of body shapes and sizes.
Health enhancement: Support health policies that improve access to health information and services for all individuals.
Respectful care: Provide accepting and respectful care for natural differences in body shapes and sizes.
Eating for wellbeing: Focus on healthy eating habits rather than fixating on weight status.
Life-enhancing movement: Encourage joyful movement for overall wellbeing.
It has taken some time for the HAES concepts to infiltrate the philosophy of health care providers and there is still a long way to go. I am sure many of us have stories of engaging with health care providers that have been discriminatory or lack in complete care based on body stigma, eg. being told the answer to every health issue is “lose weight”.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has played a dual role in the body image movement. On one hand, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified harmful beauty standards, with influencers promoting unrealistic body types and "perfect" lifestyles. These images, often filtered and edited, contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, particularly among young people.
On the other hand, social media has also been a powerful tool for spreading the messages of the body image movement. Activists and influencers who promote body positivity, body neutrality, and fat acceptance have used these platforms to reach wide audiences and challenge harmful narratives. Hashtags like #bodypositivity, #selflove, and #HAES have created communities where people can share their experiences, support one another, and celebrate diverse bodies.
Here are some of my recommendations for social media personalities and accounts to follow:
Taryn Brumfitt (Instagram: @BodyImageMovement) - She was recently Australian of the Year and did a great documentary on body image called Embrace.
Sonya Renee Taylor (Instragram: @thebodyisnotanapology - writer and speaker offering radical self-love as the remedy to heal the wounds inflicted by systems of oppression on our bodies.
Fatphobia and Diet Culture
Two central concepts in the body image movement are fatphobia and diet culture. Fatphobia refers to the systemic bias and discrimination against people who are perceived to be overweight or obese. This prejudice is deeply embedded in society, manifesting in everything from workplace discrimination and healthcare inequities to social stigmatisation and media representation. Fatphobia perpetuates the harmful idea that thinness is inherently better, healthier, or more desirable, contributing to the marginalisation of larger bodies.
Diet culture is a pervasive set of beliefs that equates thinness with health, moral virtue, and social success. It promotes the idea that weight loss is always desirable and that certain foods are "good" or "bad." Diet culture is deeply entrenched in our media, healthcare systems, and everyday conversations, reinforcing the notion that our worth is tied to our appearance. This culture fuels an industry worth billions, driven by the promise of quick fixes and transformations, often at the cost of mental and physical health.
What Does a Healthy Body Image Look Like?
A healthy body image is characterised by a positive and realistic perception of your body, where you appreciate and accept your appearance without allowing it to define your self-worth. Here are some key aspects:
Self-Acceptance: You recognise that everyone has a unique body shape and size, and you embrace your own body with its strengths and imperfections.
Realistic Expectations: You understand that bodies naturally change over time due to aging, life events, and other factors, and you set realistic goals for your health and fitness.
Appreciation for Functionality: You value what your body can do—whether it’s moving, breathing, thinking, or feeling—rather than focusing solely on how it looks.
Resistance to Comparison: You resist comparing your body to others, especially unrealistic images often portrayed in media. Instead, you focus on your personal health and well-being.
Positive Self-Talk: You engage in encouraging and affirming thoughts about your body, avoiding negative self-criticism.
Balanced Approach to Health: You prioritise overall well-being, including physical, mental, and emotional health, rather than fixating on weight or appearance alone.
Confidence and Comfort: You feel comfortable in your own skin, confident in your appearance, and able to enjoy life without obsessing over how you look.
A healthy body image is an ongoing process, and it involves continually nurturing a positive relationship with your body.
The Dawn works with individuals navigating their relationship with their bodies and overcoming trauma. Nicole also provides Clinical Supervision to other professionals who may be seeking to grow and reflect on their clinical knowledge and skills in working with body image and disordered eating issues with their clients.
Written by Nicole Staats
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker