Body shaming
Body shaming is more than just a passing comment; it’s a harmful behaviour that can deeply affect a person’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. In a world obsessed with appearance, body shaming has become alarmingly normalised, often disguised as “concern” or “humour.” But its consequences are far-reaching, and addressing it requires awareness, empathy, and action.
What is body shaming?
Body shaming involves criticising, mocking, or making negative remarks about someone’s physical appearance, weight, size, or lifestyle choices. It can occur in various forms:
Direct insults: “You’ve gained so much weight!”
Backhanded compliments: “You look great now, did you lose weight?”
Social media trolling: Negative comments on photos or posts.
Cultural pressure: Unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media.
The emotional and psychological effects
The impact of body shaming goes far beyond embarrassment. Research and real-life experiences show it can lead to:
Low self-esteem: Victims often internalise criticism, questioning their worth.
Anxiety and depression: Constant judgment can trigger mental health struggles.
Eating disorders: Pressure to conform can lead to unhealthy behaviours like binge eating or extreme dieting.
Social isolation: Fear of judgment may cause withdrawal from social activities.
Chronic stress: Persistent negativity affects overall health and well-being.
Consider Sarah, a young professional who was repeatedly told by family members to “lose weight for her own good.” Over time, these comments led her to develop severe anxiety and an eating disorder. What started as “concern” became a lifelong struggle with self-image.
Why do people shame others?
When someone feels the need to shame another person’s body or choices, it often reflects their own insecurities or biases. This behaviour says more about the person doing the shaming than the one being shamed.
Underlying reasons
Cultural conditioning: Society glorifies certain body types, creating pressure.
Personal insecurity: People project their struggles onto others.
Desire for control: Criticism can be a way to assert dominance or superiority.
My professional experience and that of other psychologists note that body shaming often stems from internalised societal norms and personal dissatisfaction. Addressing these root causes is key to breaking the cycle.
The importance of empathy: You don’t know their story
Before passing judgment, remember: you never truly know what someone is going through. They might be dealing with:
Health conditions (thyroid issues, hormonal imbalances)
Emotional struggles (grief, trauma)
Life transitions (pregnancy, illness recovery)
A comment you think is “harmless” could be deeply damaging. Practising empathy means choosing kindness over criticism.
How to set boundaries
If you encounter body shaming, here are practical steps to protect your mental health:
Speak up calmly: “I don’t appreciate comments about my body. Please respect that.”
Redirect the conversation: Shift focus to neutral topics like hobbies or current events.
Limit exposure: Reduce time with individuals who repeatedly cross boundaries.
Affirm your worth: Remind yourself that your value isn’t tied to appearance.
Seek support: Surround yourself with people who uplift and respect you.
How to respond when you witness body shaming
Call it out respectfully: “That comment isn’t helpful, let’s be kind.”
Educate: Share why body shaming is harmful.
Model empathy: Compliment qualities beyond appearance.
Body shaming is never acceptable. It perpetuates harm and reinforces toxic societal norms. Instead of tearing others down, we can choose compassion, understanding, and respect. Every body tells a story, and every person deserves dignity.
Social media’s role in body shaming
Social media has amplified body shaming in ways previous generations never experienced. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook often showcase curated, filtered images that promote unrealistic beauty standards. This constant exposure can lead to comparison, self-criticism, and even cyberbullying.
How social media fuels body shaming
Highlight reels vs. reality: People post their best angles, creating distorted perceptions of “normal.”
Comment culture: Negative remarks on posts can quickly spiral into public shaming.
Influencer pressure: Sponsored content often glorifies unattainable body ideals.
Viral trends: Challenges and memes sometimes mock certain body types.
Studies show that prolonged exposure to idealised images on social media correlates with increased body dissatisfaction and anxiety, especially among teens and young adults.
Actionable tips to navigate social media
Curate your feed: Follow accounts that promote body positivity and diversity. Unfollow those who trigger negative feelings.
Limit screen time: Set boundaries to reduce exposure to harmful content.
Engage mindfully: Before commenting, ask: “Is this kind? Is this necessary?”
Use filters wisely: Avoid over-editing your own photos, and embrace authenticity.
Report and block: Don’t hesitate to report body-shaming comments or block toxic accounts.
Join supportive communities: Engage with groups that celebrate all body types and encourage self-love.
Social media can be a tool for empowerment or harm; it depends on how we use it. By curating our digital environment and practising empathy online, we can reduce the spread of body shaming and create a culture of acceptance.
