My Problem With Body Positivity

In recent years, this topic has repeatedly been discussed— Body Positivity.

The idea divides people; some find it good, others bad. But you can’t make it that easy, because Body Positivity is a complex idea with different facets. Here is my opinion about Body Positivity, what I like, and whatnot.

I myself have a slightly too high body fat percentage.

What I Like About Body Positivity

The movement spreads various ideas, not all of which I find disagreeable. A good example is the idea of making one’s own body independent of other mental attributes of a person.

Just because you are fat, that should not make you less self-confident.

Of course, it’s a health problem (we’ll get to that in a moment), but it doesn’t define your value as a human being, your intelligence, your right to a say, how much attention you deserve, and so on. It does not make you a better or worse person.

Objectively speaking, it does not make you better or worse than human.

But in the end, people are subjective; we’re getting to that now.

Body Positivity Makes Nobody Look Prettier

I just mentioned that your overweight, wrinkles, or pimples do not objectively make you a worse person.

That is also true — but unfortunately, our world is not objective. People judge subjectively, simply because they are humans and have their own perception.

And therefore, an idea does not change the tastes of people.

Of course, no matter who you are, you can represent body positivity — but it will especially not change your sexual preferences.

The truth is that obesity tends to be perceived as unattractive in our culture.

Exceptions naturally confirm the rule.

Movements like body positivity can not change this in a significant way.

I want to emphasize that it is not entirely impossible that at least something will change.

In our age of digital omnipresence of ideal but unrealistic beauty ideals in film, television, social media, but especially pornography, it is desirable to see a little reality again.

But if we are honest ourselves, we know that nothing significant will change in our visual preferences.

The Toxicity of Body Positivity

I feel offended.

Not by people who say that I’m overweight — because it’s the truth.

I’m offended by people who try to talk me out of it.

“It’s no big deal.”, “you look good anyway.”

Again and again, it is such things that I get to hear.

Of course, it’s only meant to be kind, and I know that myself — but that’s precisely the problem.

Do you think I would not perceive myself correctly??

I know very well that I have a problem.

And especially all those who do not see their overweight as a problem should not be confirmed. After all, their health is at stake.

Overweight is a problem. Especially a health problem. Of course, a certain body fat percentage is healthy and perfectly normal.

It’s the amount that makes it poisonous and the way.

Especially belly fat is incredibly dangerous because it promotes cardiovascular diseases.

So whenever someone tries to talk me out of my problems, even if it’s just out of kindness, I’m a little appalled.

Why do these people think that their opinions can have any influence on me? They probably assume that they haven’t recognized my obesity as a problem.

Do you think my self-esteem wouldn’t be without your encouragement?

Often such statements only come up when I have somehow started the topic.

Only then do other people try to put my problems into relative terms.

They probably think that I have put myself in a position where I am uncomfortable — admitting that I am overweight.

I can handle it very well.

My self-confidence does not depend on my weight.

A Dangerous War Against Reality

I just want to emphasize that again.

It is irresponsible not to warn people who have an unhealthy body, whether they are severely overweight or perhaps even anorexic.

I emphasize this because I keep seeing people who are very overweight, identify with Body Positivity, and think that just because they no longer perceive it as a problem, they are automatically healthier.

That exists, no joke.

Of course, one’s psyche also plays a significant role in terms of health; this does not mean, however, that the dangers of ill-health can be assumed.

I am also afraid that many people only lie to themselves.

They think it’s essential to handle it with confidence.

Yes, it is important to be self-confident with it, that means to show insight, to make changes, and not to play down one’s self-confidence.

In my opinion, it already starts to talk about Plus-Size. We find all kinds of nice descriptions for some people's insanely dangerous overweight — we should just say overweight.

Summing up

Yes, there are good aspects of Body Positivity. Once again: Your appearance, figure, height, and so on did not determine your value as a human being.

It is also necessary to admit that nowadays, we convey unrealistic ideals.

Of course, there is a completely healthy range of body fat percentage; the size of the own belly is not constant either. I think it’s good when influencers show a little more reality in their bodies.

The belly, which sometimes looks thicker and sometimes thinner after eating or depending on your position, or stretch marks, is also completely normal.

But I also think that we have to deal with obesity openly and honestly. There is clearly a tendency for obesity to be very dangerous — not communicating it clearly is irresponsible.