Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Body positivity isn't just about obesity; it's about defying what is stereotypically beautiful and being proud of your appearance, whatever you look like. We're at a point now, unfortunately, where people who promote such an idea are in an echo chamber. Left-wing, young, creative people – similar to the ones I surround myself with – are campaigning to the converted. At its worst, this can make it seem almost like those leaving the circle but changing their lifestyles for the better are traitors.Someone could tell me that they're happy to be obese, but I'm not sure I'd believe them. I don't understand how you could possibly be happy about being obese in a society like ours. That's a sad thing to say, but it's the truth. However, that doesn't mean that getting thin makes you part of the problem. Losing weight doesn't stop people clicking on "sidebar of shame" articles about models flashing their "toned tums" or buying magazines that shame celebrities for putting on weight.Despite the culture these outlets have created, talking about health and weight shouldn't be taboo. No one – not even my own parents – told me I should lose weight. Yet once I had lost it, there was nothing but an outpouring of positive comments about how much better I looked. People were "relieved" to see I was doing something about my weight. It's as if people waited for the media to dismantle my self-esteem before plucking up the courage to give me the kick up the arse I needed.
Advertisement