Body Neutrality: Shifting Your Perspective
Written by CCTC Staff Writer
Improving one's body image is a personal journey, and it's important to find the right approach. Many have heard of body positivity, which is a movement that encourages people to appreciate their bodies and learn to love them as they are. But this concept is not for everyone, and can actually cause frustration and increase feelings of dissatisfaction with one's body. This is particularly true for those who are struggling with disordered eating and eating disorders.
The concept of body neutrality can be a positive alternative to help shift the focus from how the body looks.
Read on to learn more about:
The spectrum of body image
What body neutrality is
The difference between body positivity and body neutrality
The importance of improving body image in eating disorder recovery
How common body image concerns are in those struggling with eating disorders
How body neutrality can help those in recovery
Body neutral statements to begin building a neutral relationship with your body
What to do if you are struggling with body image
The spectrum of body image
Before we discuss body neutrality, it can be helpful to understand there is a spectrum of body image that describes the range of how people feel about and perceive their bodies. It ranges from negative to positive, with body neutrality lying somewhere in between. On one end of the spectrum, there can be feelings of shame or disgust associated with the body. On the other end, there can be feelings of appreciation or acceptance.
Related: The Dangers of Social Media: How It Contributes to Eating Disorders and Body Image Issues
So, what is body neutrality?
Body neutrality is the idea that each person's body is just fine the way it is. In being neutral with oneself, there is no need to strive for an idealized version of beauty or perfect health - everyone's body is good enough just as it is.
Body neutrality is the belief that all bodies are inherently valuable and worthy of respect. It rejects the idea that people need to strive for an ideal body shape or size, instead recognizing that everyone's body is good enough just as it is. Instead of worrying about how one looks, body neutrality focuses on what a person can do with their body - like running, lifting weights, dancing, etc.
What is the difference between body positivity and body neutrality?
This approach differs from body positivity, which celebrates all bodies regardless of size or shape. It encourages people to love their bodies for what they are and take pride in who they are. Body neutrality takes this idea a step further by not only recognizing that all bodies are valuable, but also that it is not necessary to strive for an idealized version of beauty or health.
Why body image has to be addressed in recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating
Body image plays an important role in disordered eating, as it can influence the way we think and feel about food and our bodies. When someone has a negative body image, they are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as restrictive dieting or compulsive overeating. A positive body image is associated with healthier eating habits, better self-esteem, and improved physical and mental well-being. Practicing body neutrality can be a step in the right direction towards improving body image and ultimately disordered eating.
Does everyone with an eating disorder struggle with negative body image?
No, not everyone with an eating disorder struggles with negative body image. However, it can be helpful for those in recovery to focus on developing a healthy relationship with their bodies even if body image concerns are not a contributing factor. Practicing body neutrality can help to cultivate better self-esteem and acceptance, ultimately leading to improved mental health.
Why is body neutrality a positive approach for those in recovery from an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are often characterized by intense feelings of shame and guilt surrounding one's body. This makes it difficult to achieve any kind of body positivity. Many in recovery may also find the pressure of trying to be positive about themselves and their body discouraging when they are battling the same thoughts and feelings they may have been struggling with for years. Expecting to go from body hatred to body love can be a daunting idea in early recovery. Letting go of the expectation or goal that you are supposed to feel a certain way about your body to be in a recovery can allow people to shift the focus away from how their body looks in general. This helps to reduce feelings of shame and guilt, and provide a more positive approach to live a life that is healthy and fulfilling.
Examples of body neutral statements to help you improve your relationship with your body
To begin building a more neutral relationship with your body, it may be helpful to practice reframing negative thoughts about the body with more neutral statements. These statements focus on the purpose your body serves and acknowledge that all bodies are valuable regardless of size or shape.
Examples of body neutral statements include:
Bodies change and that is okay
All bodies, including mine, deserve respect
My body is not who I am
I offer more to the world than just my body
My body allows me to show up in my life
Listening to my body’s needs is strong
My body is the vessel in which I get to live my life
My body is deserving of rest and nourishment
My body is strong
What to do if you are struggling with your body image
If you are having difficulty improving your body image on your own, seeking professional help can be beneficial. Eating disorder treatment specialists can provide guidance and support to help you learn healthier ways of thinking about your body and develop a more positive relationship with it.
Our team at Central Coast Treatment Centers understand the journey of recovery and would love to support you. Learn more about our eating disorder treatment programs and reach out to us today to discuss how we can help you or your loved one.