Body Positivity

Body positivity is a concept that supports a person’s bodily autonomy, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. Body positivity means that there is no one definition of a ‘beautiful’ or ‘perfect’ body. The body positivity movement asks people to question the messages thy receive about health, beauty, and fashion ideals.

How can we be body positive?

• Appreciate your body for what it is, not what you may want it to be
• Celebrate and embrace differences: you are unique!
• Surround yourself with positive people and diverse role models
• Question what you see in the media, especially on social media. Many are edited or portray only one part of the story.

Many people, especially young people, feel pressure to change their body and appearance to match a ‘normalised’ body. This may encourage young people to control their diet and exercise to a point where it is unhealthy, both physically and mentally.
Help is always available if you are struggling with your body image. You are not alone.
For information (including resources in other languages) you can visit the Butterfly Foundation. www.butterfly.org.au/resources