For the last few years, one of the most popular trends that we see has been the body positivity movement. People from across the globe have become part of this movement.
The idea behind this movement was to make people with ‘not ideal’ body shapes feel comfortable. People tend to bully those who are underweight or overweight, short or tall. This is directly related to their mental health, ABC News reported.
The body positivity movement is an idea that allows people to accept the way their bodies are and don’t pay attention to what the bullies and critics say about them. This helps them in removing the mental pressure of working according to their bullies.
While the movement is widely supported and accepted on various social media platforms by different people from different regions of the world, there is a huge criticism for this movement for increasing the risk of many serious health issues among a significant part of the human population.
The ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Jen Ashton, says that there is a rise in the number of people who do not even check their weight while visiting a physician, but it is very problematic.
According to Ashton, carrying extra weight above the ideal recommendation carries serious health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and an increased risk of a heart attack.
Not in the 21st century; there have been several body positivity movements in the past as well. For instance- the Fat Liberation movement of the 60s has significant roots with it. In fact, in 1969, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance was started to normalize obesity and overweight.
According to NAAFA’s Board Chair, Tigress Osborn, NAAFA aims to empower fat people. Fat liberationists argue that their aim is not to lose weight but to get civil rights accepted in society. They say that it is more important for them to be treated equally and fairly with respect than to get healthy and fit.
