The Complex Side of Body Positivity: When a Social Movement Misses the Mark on Health

Daniel Laga
Oct 1
3 min read

In today's media landscape, the body positivity movement is everywhere. It’s a powerful and necessary message that aims to combat body shaming and promote self-love and acceptance. For many, it has been a lifeline, helping them feel comfortable in their own skin.

However, as with any major social trend, there is a complex, often overlooked side to the story. I believe that while the intention behind body positivity is noble, its current expression in media and advertising is veering into a dangerous extreme. Instead of celebrating diverse body shapes, it has begun to normalize and, in some cases, even glorify obesity, framing it as just another way people are "born." This isn't about shaming anyone; it's about having an honest conversation about health.

The Pendulum Swing: From One Extreme to Another

Think back to the 1990s and early 2000s. The fashion world was dominated by "heroin chic" models who were so thin they appeared to be struggling with serious health issues like anorexia. This extreme ideal had a well-documented negative impact on the self-esteem and health of young people.

Now, we are witnessing a swing to the opposite extreme. The rise of "plus-size" models and social media influencers who openly promote unhealthy habits for likes and engagement has become a common sight. While it's crucial to have representation for all body types, there's a fine line between inclusivity and promoting a state of health that carries significant risks.

Health Is More Than a Feeling

True health isn't just about how you feel; it’s about what's happening inside your body. The body positivity movement can sometimes use soft words like "heavy-boned" or "chubby" to downplay the health risks associated with being overweight. But the science is clear.

Here are the widely accepted body fat ranges for men and women, demonstrating what is considered healthy versus obese:

Body Fat Ranges for Women

Essential fat: 10–13%
Athletes: 14–20%
Fitness enthusiasts: 21–24%
Healthy/Acceptable: 25–31%
Obese: 32% and over

Body Fat Ranges for Men

Essential Fat: 2-5%
Athletes: 6-13%
Fitness: 14-17%
Healthy Average: 18-24%
Obese: 25% and over

I firmly believe that if you are over a 25% body fat percentage—for both men and women—you are already facing a health problem. This is not about a number on a scale; it's about preventing the serious health complications that are often tied to excess body fat.

When Food Becomes an Addiction

At the heart of this issue is a deeper question about self-love. If you truly love yourself, why would you actively destroy your body? Just like an alcoholic or a drug addict, a person with a food addiction is often in a cycle of self-destruction. Food can be just as addictive as any drug, especially when it's full of chemicals, cheap carbohydrates, and sugar, which can trigger a reward response in the brain.

This is where the bigger picture comes into focus. Our modern food system is designed to create hyper-palatable, highly addictive products that drive consumption, not health. The constant bombardment of unhealthy food commercials and corporate messaging further fuels this cycle. The unfortunate truth is that a society with poor health creates a massive demand for the pharmaceutical industry. This doesn't need to be a conspiracy theory; it's an observation of a broken system.

How to Break Free and Reclaim Your Health

Breaking away from these cycles can be difficult, but it is possible. It requires taking control and being proactive about your health.

Curate your digital environment. Stop mindlessly watching commercials and following social media accounts that promote unhealthy lifestyles. Instead, actively seek out and follow channels and experts who promote science-backed nutrition and a positive, health-first mindset.
Get professional help. If you suspect you have a food addiction, consider working with a psychologist to address the emotional and behavioral triggers.
Work with a nutrition coach. Find a coach who can help you build a personalized, sustainable plan that fits your life and helps you reach your goals without resorting to extreme measures.

Ultimately, the goal is not to shame anyone for their body but to empower them to choose health. True body positivity should be about loving your body enough to take care of it, not just accepting its current state, but making a commitment to a better, healthier future.