Although body shaming is a term recently coined term, it’s one of the most serious social issues that exist on a global scale. In fact, this act itself has been existing for quite a long time.
The existence of beauty standards, going back to the centuries, is proof. People have a definite notion when it comes to the word beauty. It brings about an image of a man or a woman that looks a certain way which includes the color of your skin, the shape of your body, hair length and the kind of clothes one wears etc.
No one ever seems to be able to meet these standards, either they’re too thin or too fat, too dark or too fair. Its repercussions echo throughout our global society and more than often, we don’t even realize it. And these aftershocks ultimately lead the victim to go for procedures that will make them more appealing. This is one of the reasons that has led to the increasing demand for body sculpting procedures. As a result, procedures such as Velashape in Dubai are becoming quite popular as they can easily sculpt one’s body.
Body shaming deeply affects the mental as well as the physical health of a person. It also impacts both the abused and the abuser. How does it affect us? Keep reading to find out!
Impact on Abuser
One thing about body shamers is that they don’t realize this practice takes root from problems concerning their outlook and perspective. In many cases, they’ve had a rough childhood, abusive parents, perhaps their parents transfer this outlook to them or maybe they lost someone.
The abuser may end up or already be criticizing their own body image and have trouble finding acceptance for who they are and what they look like. This leads to low self-esteem and self-confidence, often paving ways for failures in their professional and personal lives.
Similarly, for the person being body shamed the whole experience is distressing especially when they start believing the comments about their body. This results in mental health problems, which brings us to our next discussion.
Mental Health Issues
Body shaming can shatter a person’s confidence, thus leading to issues both mental and physical. Low confidence encourages the feeling of avoidance and the choice to isolate oneself in order to avoid humiliation altogether. The first signs are often low self-esteem and self-worth. The person begins to feel sorry for themselves and this leads to depression.
Depression becomes a gateway for other mental problems like anxiety and social isolation. The person starts to overthink everything and a constant wave of negative comments whether they be vocal or online can lead to panic attacks and depression phases.
Effect on Physical Health
The stream of negative comments propels a person to take drastic action in order to feel better about themselves. These actions lead to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia in the case they believe they are too fat. In an opposite situation, one may fall into the habit of eating obsessively if they think themselves too skinny. Anorexia can lead to dehydration, constipation, undernourishment, bloating, and even irregular menstrual cycles. Bulimia has similar effects on one’s health.
What Can We Do About Body Shaming?
Currently, there are movements that focus on body positivity and condemn body shaming. But each of us must learn the consequences of such actions, we must educate ourselves as well. If we do not change our perspective of body image and beauty standards then no movement will be of any use. So, how do we change this outlook?
Embrace Ourselves
Accepting our own imperfections is the first step. We need to feel content about how we are and how we look, so that any judgment that comes our way cannot bring us down. Similarly, try to create a positive body image of yourself. Even if you’re overweight or obese, try ti reduce your weight because obesity can lead to several health issues.
You should try incorporating a healthy diet and exercising in your routine life as it will help you in staying fit. Still, if you haven’t been able to achieve your desired body shape, you can go for coolsculpting or any other non-invasive body sculpting procedure. But even after getting it, you have to change your lifestyle if you want to attain its results for a long time.
Maintain Healthy Relationships
Surround yourself with people who live with a positive vibe. Eliminate all the toxic relationships in your life, for they are not worth your health.
Educate Others
Body shaming is despicable and should not be tolerated under any circumstances, whether it’s your family or friends or co-workers. Condemn their actions and educate them to be better. Spread awareness of how body shaming has led to the increasing demand for aesthetics.
The Way Forward
In the end, it all boils down to the choice of words, be mindful of what you say to others. Remember that it isn’t enough that you know body shaming is wrong, you must act accordingly and stop if you see such actions happening in front of you. Plus, you can only know peace if you accept yourself. It is a difficult journey but one that is worth taking! Take care of yourself!
