What is Body Shaming?
Body shaming is a form of action that involves commenting on or criticizing one’s own or other people’s physical appearance in a negative way or with a negative meaning.
This action includes saying that someone is too thin, short, fat, or tall.
In fact, body shaming is no different from bullying or harassment in verbal form.
Not only does it cause a person to experience a decrease in self-confidence, this act can also make the victim feel ashamed and withdrawn because of their physical appearance.
Body shaming itself does not only happen to women but also to men.
A study in the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health observed 800 students from grades 9 to 12.
Based on the study, experts found that there were 359 students, or around 44.9 percent who said they had experienced body shaming at least once a year.
Types of Body Shaming
In addition to occurring at all ages, body shaming can also occur in various environmental conditions. Starting from family, friendship, to work.
There are several types of conditions that are usually the subject of discussion to provide physical criticism towards other people, such as:
1. Body weight
The thing that gets commented on most often when someone does physical abuse is weight issues.
Discussions about being too thin or too big have become a common topic of conversation for many people.
In addition, comments such as “You would be prettier if you were thinner” or “You should try to gain weight!” are also types of physical taunts that can make someone feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.
2. Age
Of course, you will always have the freedom to express yourself even as you get older.
However, people who have entered old age usually experience body shaming more often.
For example, someone says that you don’t deserve to wear clothes like that because you are old.
3. Hair
Everyone has different hair types and conditions.
If someone else criticizes the condition of your hair or makes negative comments about it, this condition can be a type of hair-shaming.
4. Skin
Then, there is also a type of physical abuse that is directed at the skin.
For example, you have a darker skin color than someone else and someone uses that to insult or call you names.
5. Height
Next, physical taunts related to height. Body shaming is very popular after weight.
Often, these taunts about height are directed at men.
Characteristics of Body Shaming Perpetrators
However, body shaming is inappropriate behavior and without you realizing it, it can make other people lose their trust in you.
The characteristics of perpetrators who commit acts of physical abuse or body shamers include:
1. Always feel like your body is the fattest, even though it’s not actually that way.
Without you realizing it, you may often compare your physical appearance with other people.
This may seem trivial, but it is not impossible for other people to think that you are very fat, even though you are not.
In addition, these comments can also be hurtful to other people.
If you do this, someone who is overweight around you will actually feel embarrassed and offended.
2. Telling other people to exercise regularly to lose weight
In addition, someone who likes to criticize other people’s physical appearance usually often asks them to exercise regularly so that their body becomes thin.
For example, asking other people to do gymnastics or fitness so that the body looks thinner and more attractive.
Maybe, you think that the statement is only informative and that other people can try to do it.
However, other people may be offended and think that you are telling them to exercise because of their fat body.
3. Likes to compare other people’s physical appearance
Another characteristic is always feeling that your body is more ideal than other people.
It’s best to avoid this, especially if you always feel successful in implementing a healthy lifestyle, while other people don’t.
4. Commenting on other people’s food
Frequently commenting on other people’s food can also be considered physical bullying if you always relate it to other people’s body condition.
The Impact of Body Shaming
In general, body shaming has negative effects on the mental health of the person who experiences it.
A study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health examined the impact of physical abuse on approximately 1,443 freshman college students.
As a result, teenagers who experience body shaming tend to show signs of depression throughout the year.
In addition, cases have also increased significantly in adolescents with overweight conditions.
This negative body image is also one of the main triggers for eating disorders.
In addition to depression and eating problems, physical abuse can also trigger various mental health disorders, such as:
- Body dysmorphic disorder.
- Anxiety problems.
- Extreme decrease in self-confidence.
- Showing self-harming behavior.
- Having a low quality of life due to feeling dissatisfied with your body.
How to Deal with Body Shaming
Receiving negative comments about your physical appearance is certainly not easy.
However, don’t worry, you can take several steps to deal with someone who often criticizes your body, namely:
1. Be aware of your own strengths
Instead, get rid of negative thoughts about yourself. Realize the various strengths and abilities that you have.
Appreciating and being grateful for the things you can feel and have right now is a good thing to build your image and self-confidence.
Remember that physical appearance is not the primary determinant of a person’s worth as an individual. Focus on other qualities and accomplishments that are more important in.
2. Do self-care
Doing self-care regularly is one way to appreciate yourself. There is nothing wrong with taking time for body care so that you become more relaxed so that you can improve your positive self-image.
In addition, make sure you eat a variety of healthy foods, get enough rest, and exercise, which can help your mind become more positive.
3. Choose a positive environment
You have the right to decide to be in a positive environment. It is better to choose an environment of relatives or family who are willing to accept you for who you are without doing body shaming.
4. Talk to a trusted person
Seek support from those closest to you, such as close friends, family, or a partner. Talk about your feelings and how body shaming affects you.
Their support and understanding can help overcome negative feelings that arise.
5. Avoid comparing yourself to others
Don’t get caught in the trap of comparing yourself to others. Every individual has their own journey and uniqueness.
Stop comparing yourself to unrealistic standards. Try to appreciate and love yourself sincerely.
6. Take care of your mental and emotional health
Find ways to maintain mental and emotional health, such as practicing relaxation, meditation, or doing enjoyable activities.
If necessary, seek support from a mental health professional such as a psychologist or counselor who can help you through the process of overcoming body shaming and recovery.
7. Fight stigmatization and teach awareness
You can contribute to addressing body shaming by becoming a supporter of social change.
Teach others about the importance of accepting and celebrating body diversity. Participate in movements that promote positive body image.
Prevent Body Shaming
Furthermore, to prevent body shaming from happening in your friendship or family environment, you can take the following preventive measures.
- Limit talk about physical appearance and appearance.
- Look for other, more enjoyable topics.
- If you are in this situation, you should remind the person who is doing the body shaming not to continue doing it.
Body shaming is a negative act that must be stopped. After all, a person is born with all the uniqueness and advantages that exist in themselves.
Focus on every positive thing about yourself, so that you don’t feel like body-shaming others. If you find it difficult to overcome it, contact a professional who can help.