Bodyshaming: Subtle Ways We Face It Everyday, How To Tackle, And Tips To Build Self-Confidence

Body shaming isn't just about hurtful comments and name-calling, it's a silent, persistent pressure that creeps into daily life, impacting individuals of all shapes, sizes, and genders. Casual remarks about how someone looks can slowly crumble their confidence and self-worth. Over time, this quiet judgment can cause anxiety, body image problems, and low self-esteem, leaving emotional pain that’s difficult to heal.

What Is Body Shaming?

“Body shaming is when someone makes you feel uncomfortable or less than you because of how you appear. It can be about your skin, weight, age, height, body hair or anything else that doesn’t match society’s ideal standards,” Ms Alma Chopra, a renowned motivational speaker, disability rights activist and life coach.

Where Does Bodyshaming Comments Come From?

“We tend to believe body shaming comes only from bullies or trolls. In reality, it can be from anyone, including friends, family, media, and even ourselves. A kind but misguided relative saying, "You've put on weight," or a friend telling us, "You'd be prettier if you were thinner," are subtle but potent forms of body shaming. Social media filters, size-focused compliments, and unattainable beauty ideals in films and commercials contribute to this pressure, subtly telling us we're not good enough just the way we are,” Dr Rahul Chandhok, Sr Consultant & Head of Psychiatry, Artemis Lite NFC, New Delhi.

Aftermath Of Bodyshaming

• Crushes Confidence
• It makes people feel unworthy or ashamed of their appearance.
• Hurts Mental Health
• Triggers anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
• Promotes Unhealthy Behaviors
• This leads to eating disorders, over-exercising, or body obsession.
• Creates Lifelong Insecurities
• Even one comment can stick for years.

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How To Deal With Bodyshaming?

Self-awareness: Be aware that your value isn't based on your size or appearance. Value your body for what it can do, rather than what it looks like.

Speak up: If someone says something unkind, remind them that it's not acceptable. Sometimes people don't know how hurtful their words are.

Surround yourself with support: Spend time around people who encourage you, not people who constantly put down appearances.

Control your feed: Like body-positive accounts and individuals who support health, happiness, and confidence in all sizes.

Practice self-love: Replace self-criticism with compassion. Mirror reflections, journaling, and an emphasis on your strengths can gradually change the way you perceive yourself.

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“Body shaming might be everywhere, but so is the power to rise above it. Celebrate your individuality, say no to unattainable standards, and choose self-love, because confidence starts with acceptance, not perfection,” said Dr Rahul.

Image Credits: Freepik

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