First, what is the body positive trend? It is defined as a social movement rooted in the belief that all human beings should have a positive body image. It advocates the acceptance of all bodies, no matter the form, size, or appearance.
Contrary, to popular opinion, body positive is more harmful than it is helpful. Yes, people should accept and love themselves. Yes, people should be comfortable in their own skin. Yes, people should think positive thoughts about themselves rather than negative thoughts.
It is a known fact that individuals can be skinny, yet unhealthy, and individuals can be fat, yet healthy. However, generally speaking, being overweight or obese is not healthy. Obesity is a serious, chronic disease that can have lasting negative effects on many systems of the human body. People who are overweight or obese have a much greater risk of developing serious conditions including, but not limited to: high blood pressure, heart disease and strokes, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, fatty liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, and psychosocial effects. There can be detrimental health consequences to excess fat.
Disease is not beautiful. Sickness is not pretty. We should not welcome and advocate for morbidity. Loving yourself and wanting to change yourself, for the better and for one’s health, should be able to coexist. Body positivity and disease should not coexist.
Body Positivity: Why it is harmful 