We have become so lost in the fast pace of society that we have started to forget the true meaning of the “self”. The media has begun to embrace the concept of loving oneself regardless of size, shape, and ability. While this concept is critical in maintaining a happy and fulfilling life, it’s not necessarily conducive to leading a healthy life, especially when we have begun to define the “self” as our outward image or appearance. This new shift in thinking is known as the Fat Acceptance Movement (that is being widely accepted and supported by many healthcare centers like NORMUK and so on), and although the intentions behind it are to promote self-love, it has begun to spiral out of control into a mechanism that enables unhealthy or excessive eating and portrays skewed perceptions of what confidence and self-esteem entail.
1. Obesity has been glamourized. Sex appeal, humor, and sometimes confidence that borders on arrogance are all being tied into the image of being overweight. Magazines, TV shows, and movies have increasingly adopted models and characters who are overweight in an effort to be diverse and politically correct. There is a huge difference between accepting something and glamourizing it. Anything that is glamourized in the media is bound to become accepted as a norm or adopted as a trend. While it is always important to treat everyone with kindness, fairness, and compassion, regardless of their appearance, it is not acceptable to promote unhealthy eating habits or dismiss the importance of physical activity.
2. Our sense of self comes from our mind, not our outward appearance. The body and the mind are two separate entities, but they need to exist together in a healthy state in order to function in harmony. The way we think, feel, interact with others, and contribute to society is driven by our mind. Our body is a vehicle for our mind. The things we eat, the habits we engage in, and the way we care for our body all effect how well the mind can function. Hence the phrase, “healthy body, healthy mind”. In order for true self-acceptance and self-love to occur, one should feel a sense of pride in creating a “self” that is a result of one’s best efforts. Therefore, shouldn’t we place more emphasis on the importance of having a healthy body to support the maximum capabilities of a healthy mind?
3. When the mind is not supported by a healthy body, we have less energy to devote to the people and causes that we care about and connect meaningfully with the world around us. Having a healthy body allows us to think more clearly and contribute more of our ideas to society. We will have the physical aptitude to engage with others to the best of our abilities. Whether one is overweight, underweight, or average weight, defining the self in accordance of what is glamourized in the media places limitations on how the true self is defined. An important lesson that can be taken from the Fat Acceptance Movement is to remind ourselves of the importance of physical health in enabling our minds to flourish, and take pride in giving our bodies the best care possible.
