What Is Body Shaming and How Does It Impact People?
What Is Body Shaming and How Does It Impact People?
Body shaming is often defined as saying unkind remarks about the way someones body looks. Yet it encapsulates so much more than that, especially in the age of social media. Comments about someones appearance can harm the person receiving thembut seeing body shaming comments directed at others on social media can also be emotionally damaging, particularly to young people.
Recently, celebrities and athletesLena Dunham, Sydney Sweeney, Millie Bobby Brown, and Ilona Maherhave been open about hurtful comments theyve received about their appearances. Their testimonies demonstrate how body shaming is a cultural epidemic that can cause extreme emotional harm.
Understanding Body Shaming
Sometimes, body shaming can be subtle. Comments about someones body dont have to be made directly at a specific person or be ill-intentioned to be harmful.
Its really important to have a bigger understanding of what body shaming can encompass, says Kristin Francis, MD, a 泫圖弝け and adolescent inpatient psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental 泫圖弝け Institute at the 泫圖弝け of Utah. We naturally just think it means being critical of a bigger body, but it includes comments about any physical attributes, and those comments can be very hurtful.
Examples of less obvious body shaming include:
- Making comments about how much or how little food someone is consuming.
- Telling someone they shouldnt wear certain clothing, makeup, or hairstyles because of how itll look on their body.
- Bringing up physical differences in body parts such as your nose is so big or you have such tiny ears.
- Backhanded compliments like I cant believe how different you look or I could never feel good in a skirt that short.
- Making assumptions about someones health based on the size of their body.
- Being critical about your own body or someone elses body, including public figures.
Effects on Mental 泫圖弝け
While 泫圖弝けren and teens are particularly vulnerable to negative mental health outcomes from body shaming, it can affect people of all ages, genders, and body types.
Exposure to body shaming can lead to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Low self-esteem
- Self-harm or suicidal ideation
Social media being broadly accessible has caused a significant increase in mental health conditions in adolescents. According to a study by the , 48% of teenagers in the U.S. say they believe social media has negatively impacted their mental health.
Rates of depression and anxiety are much higher among people who are looking at social media, especially appearance-based social media, Francis says. It can be very focused on the perception of beauty and an ideal body type, especially along gender norms, so I think most kids from a young age are given subtle messages of what is desirable and what is not desirable.
Choosing Your Words
As a parent, you can model healthy behaviors that will encourage your 泫圖弝けren to have a positive body image and learn to be kind to others as they grow into adulthood. These behaviors include:
- Avoiding body talkpositive or negativeabout any physical attributes.
- Eating a varied diet with a focus on mindful eating by paying attention to how our bodies feel and what they need.
- Prioritizing movement for the sake of enjoyment, mood management, or maintenance of body function, as opposed to offsetting food choices or for weight loss.
- Avoiding making comments about the size, shape, or appearance of their body, or anyone elses body.
- Exposing them to body diversity in the media they consume.
- Focusing on the function of bodies, not the appearance.
Say This, Not That
Instead of saying this: I look so fat in this outfit.
Try this: Im going to change because my body doesnt feel comfortable in this outfit.
Instead of saying this: Ive gained weight. I should start working out.
Try this: I think Ill move my body today because I like the way it makes me feel.
Instead of saying this: Shes all skin and bones or Hes let himself go.
Try this: Everyones body is different. We dont make comments about what someones body looks like.
Instead of saying this: I shouldnt eat this. Ill get fat.
Try this: Im wanting something crunchy and salty. I think Ill eat some chips.
Instead of saying this: Look at your skinny little legs!
Try this: Your legs helped you do a lot of playing at the playground today!
Someones worth is not dictated by what their body looks like. Teaching your 泫圖弝け to have a positive body image can help protect their mental health and encourage kindness.
Where to Go When You Need Mental 泫圖弝け Help Right Away
A mental health crisis does not always require a hospital bed, but it does require compassion and professional support. Learn how the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental 泫圖弝け Crisis Care Center offers immediate helpno appointment or referral needed.
Utah's New Mental 泫圖弝け Crisis Center Offers Immediate Support for Adults in Distress
You do not need to be suicidal or in psychosis to be in crisis. A mental health crisis can mean overwhelming anxiety, grief that would not lift, or a stretch of time when functioning feels impossible. Designed to be an alternative to ER visits or jail, the new Huntsman Mental 泫圖弝け Institute facility is open to any adult in need, no appointment required.
Emergency Mental 泫圖弝け Care Without Going to the ER: How Utahs MCOT Comes to You
Crises do not wait for appointmentsand neither does the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team. Learn how this no-cost, judgment-free service is helping Utahns avoid unnecessary ER visits and navigate moments of crisis with real-time, compassionate care.
