Body Positivity Lies: Why We Can't Ignore the Consequences

Let’s be real, the body positivity movement started with good intentions — promoting self-love and acceptance. But somewhere along the way, it took an unhealthy turn, glorifying obesity and dismissing legitimate health concerns. It’s time we have an honest conversation about why pushing being overweight is downright dangerous.

The Elephant (pun) in the Room: Obesity’s Health Risks

We can’t ignore the mountain of scientific evidence linking obesity to severe health issues:

• Heart Disease: Excess weight increases the risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart attacks.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for developing this life-altering condition.
• Certain Cancers: Studies show obesity can increase the risk of breast, colon, and other cancers.
• Sleep Apnea: Excess weight can obstruct breathing during sleep, leading to fatigue and other complications.

The list goes on, from joint problems to fatty liver disease. At its core, obesity puts an incredible strain on nearly every system in the body.

Lizzo and the Danger of Unhealthy Role Models

While body positivity advocates claim they’re promoting acceptance, many are glamorizing an unhealthy lifestyle. Take Lizzo, for example — despite her undeniable talent, she’s become an icon for celebrating morbid obesity.

Here’s the harsh reality: Lizzo’s weight poses serious risks to her long-term health and longevity. By ignoring these facts and flaunting her size, she’s sending a dangerous message — that obesity should be embraced rather than treated as the health crisis it is.

Other celebrities like Tess Holliday have amassed cult-like followings by promoting their unhealthy weights. This normalization of obesity, especially among young, impressionable fans, is downright irresponsible and will have severe societal consequences.

The Slippery Slope of “Feeling Your Best”

“As long as you feel good, that’s what matters!” This mantra, often used to justify unhealthy weights, is flawed and problematic.

Here’s why:

• You can “feel good” while still being at risk for weight-related illnesses.
• Feeling good is subjective and can be heavily influenced by denial.
• Prioritizing temporary feelings over objective health data is irrational.

The truth? How you feel is relatively unimportant compared to quantifiable medical markers like BMI, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Basing your entire self-worth on fleeting emotions is unsustainable and unhealthy.

Redefining True Body Positivity

To be clear, this isn’t an attack on self-esteem or promoting unrealistic beauty standards. True body positivity should be about:

• Accepting your natural body shape and features
• Developing healthy coping mechanisms for societal pressures
• Prioritizing sustainable nutrition and fitness for longevity

It’s possible to love yourself while still acknowledging areas for improvement. The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

A Call for Accountability and Change

As a society, we can’t continue ignoring obesity’s devastating effects under the guise of “body positivity.” It’s time to:

• Hold celebrities accountable for promoting unhealthy lifestyles
• Shift the body positive conversation towards holistic wellness
• Provide better education about nutrition, fitness, and weight management

Embracing larger bodies for the sake of acceptance isn’t the solution. True empowerment comes from prioritizing health and making lifestyle choices that extend your life, not cut it short.

The body positivity movement had its moment, but now it’s gone too far. For the well-being of ourselves and future generations, it’s time to end the glorification of obesity and pivot towards proven paths to mental and physical wellness.

Has the media gone too far promoting unhealthy lifestyles?