Body Neutrality & Body Positivity

By Lexi Campbell, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee


There are many approaches to engaging with our body that support our sense of acceptance, self-worth, and self-esteem. Two mechanisms are often identified to be particularly impactful: body positivity and body neutrality. Body positivity is loving our bodies regardless of shape, size, or ability, and body neutrality focuses on appreciating what the body can do for us by emphasizing functions, actions, and physiology (Cleveland Clinic, 2022; Frates, 2022). 

Body positivity is a social movement that invites people to appreciate their body size, shape, and ability without subscribing to unrealistic body standards and the abilities of typical bodies (Frates, 2022). Body positivity challenges society’s unrealistic standards for body shape and size, as well as its fixation on what the perfect body is. The goal of body positivity is to honor and accept all body types and to help individuals feel confident (Frates, 2022). The body positivity movement garnered strength by pushing back against body-shaming tactics, emphasizing the beauty of each body and arguing that body shape or size does not dictate self-worth or value (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Body positivity is centered on affirmations and leans into the power of confidence and celebrating our bodies for just as they are— concepts that many individuals find empowering and inspiring.

Body neutrality represents a different approach to how we engage with our bodies. It does not dictate love or hate toward our body; rather, it emphasizes identifying and appreciating what our body enables us to do (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Body neutrality focuses on the functions of the body: examples include finding contentment and fulfillment in the strength of our bones, recognizing how the digestive system helps us absorb nutrients from food, acknowledging the protection that skin offers to our muscles and organs, appreciating the reward that dopamine provides our brain, reflecting on how our brain allows us to practice mindfulness, and noting how our nose helps us experience amazing scents. The practice of body neutrality can also be tailored to each individual and their unique bodily characteristics (Frates, 2022). Body neutrality fosters a connection to the body that focuses on what it offers to the person, without placing a value judgment of being positive or negative. 

So, is body positivity or body neutrality better for your relationship with your body? That is a question that can only be answered by you. Each person is unique— and what is helpful for one person may not be helpful for another person. For example, if affirmations offer you a lot of self-confidence, then practicing body positivity may be a great fit for you. If affirmations aren’t very supportive to you, or if being positive feels less natural to you, then body neutrality may be a better fit. If you feel empowered by the idea of pushing back against strict body standards, body positivity may be an exciting lens for you to engage with. If you would prefer to engage with a mindfulness practice and notice what your unique body allows you to accomplish, then body neutrality would be a wonderful fit. There is also a third option— you can embrace both body positivity and body neutrality and utilize each when it is most supportive to you and your goals! 




References
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). What’s the Difference between Body Positivity and Body Neutrality? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/body-positivity-vs-body-neutrality
Frates, E.P. (2022). Moving to wellness while practicing body neutrality. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/moving-to-wellness-while-practicing-body-neutrality-202204142727