Research indicates that body positivity is associated with more consistent self-care, a decreased risk of depression, and a lower rate of unhealthy diet behaviors. If you’re overweight or want to lower your body weight, you may wonder if it’s possible to lose weight while maintaining a positive outlook. Fortunately, it’s possible and even recommended for body positivity and weight loss to happen together. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Body Positivity?
Body positivity is defined as living in a way that allows you to love, care for, and take pleasure in your body. While you may struggle to consistently be positive about your body, you should use these experiences to learn how to find greater peace with your body.
In short, you’re allowed to grow and work towards your personal goals, including weight loss, while loving and caring for your body as is. You don’t have to wait until you reach your “ideal weight” to love your body; instead, appreciation and positivity start now, regardless of the size and shape of your body.
How Can You Work Towards Your Weight Loss Goals While Embracing Body Positivity?
It’s a misconception that you can’t love and embrace your current body while recognizing that you want to make changes to your weight, shape, and physique.
Sometimes, the best way to love yourself is to make changes to your lifestyle and habits that help your body work better and more efficiently. Many people feel better and have more energy when they’re at a healthy weight.
If your weight is too high for you to comfortably live an active lifestyle, it’s acceptable to lose weight while you praise your body for what it can do. Even if you want to lower your weight, your body still completes a lot of tasks that enable you to live and enjoy life.
Or, if you have a condition that isn’t easily changed, like lipedema or a chronic disease, you can focus on loving and appreciating your body for what it can do rather than fixating on supposed shortcomings.
Perhaps your body’s condition makes it difficult to comfortably walk long distances, but you can still praise and thank your body for allowing you to complete activities that enable you to retain your independence.
We’re glad that you’ve started your journey of body positivity and excited to welcome you to the Curvygirlbeth community.