From a teen's perspective: Body positivity

Spring is here! After a long winter filled with heavy news and bad weather, the addition of the sun is much appreciated. However, as the temperature increases, the closer we get to spending more time in shorter, more revealing clothes. With the concept of “summer body” approaching, I want to get ahead of this and say that no matter what your body looks like, you should still be able to enjoy the warmer weather wearing whatever and eating whatever you want.

Toxic discussion around weight and how certain bodies look are causing a lot of mental health problems. Nine percent of Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. This is a problem. With this, only 6% of people with an eating disorder are underweight, so many people don’t even understand what they are going through. As society approaches a season when people become more self-conscious about their weight, it is important for us to be intentional about our words and attitudes towards eating habits.

Firstly, what are some problems within society that put Americans at a higher risk for eating disorders? The main issue nationwide is our idealization of thinness. This is perpetuated through movies, TV shows, and other forms of media. Not only can content be an issue, such as making jokes about weight, but so can who is being represented in these industries. Most clothing models are extremely skinny, and they are the ones who are put on a pedestal. With this, there are very few actresses, or even reporters, who are not very skinny. This lack of representation gets into the mind of the youth who believe being very skinny is the only way to be, which is not the case. 

Before I go into what individuals can do to promote body positivity and a healthy relationship with food this spring and summer, I would like to acknowledge the stereotype of an eating disorder. Many people believe  the only people with eating disorders are white, skinny teenage girls, but that is not the case. BIPOC, LGBTQ, men, and more can and do have eating disorders. It is in no way limited by age, gender, sexuality, or race but instead affects much of the population. With this in mind, do not assume that one does or does not have an eating disorder. Of course, assuming anything is wrong, but even beyond that eating disorders affect different people in different ways. It is not anyone’s place to enforce a diagnosis on someone else. 

With a wide range of eating disorders in mind, here are a few ways to be supportive of all people during this time when body shape is more predominantly in people’s minds and people’s relationship with food changes:

• Don’t comment on anyone’s weight- Statements such as “you look so skinny” or even “you look so much better” are not helpful for those with or without an eating disorder. Commenting on anyone’s weight or change in weight not only puts someone with an eating disorder in a tough place, but it also limits someone’s worth to what they look like. What is on the inside is so much more important than what someone looks like, and comments like these counteract that.

• Do not talk about how much anyone is eating- Comments during a meal such as “Should you be eating that?” or “Are you going to eat all of that?” are not being conscious of those with eating disorders or who are having a currently negative relationship with food. The amount someone eats is up to them, and it is not anyone else’s place to comment on how much someone is eating.  

• If you know someone with anorexia or bulimia specifically, do not tell them to “just eat more” - Comments like these have similar effects to telling those with depression “to just be happy” or telling those with anxiety “to just stop worrying.” For those with psychological disorders like these, the solution is not that simple. These comments invalidate the struggle of these people, and just make them feel like they are being more dramatic than they should be, which they are decidedly not. Eating disorders have a larger effect than “just eating more”, as it is a more complex mental struggle than that.

As we approach this season, remember that your body is beautiful regardless of how you think it looks. Everyone can wear a bathing suit. Everyone can eat dessert. These bodies are the ones that have gotten us through the pandemic so far, and we should not try to change it. Body positivity is a good thing, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Get outside and enjoy some beautiful weather without anything holding you back!