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You can read the transcript for this video below:

Have you ever had someone make a comment about your body that left you feeling small or ashamed?

Or have you ever found yourself looking in the mirror and saying things to yourself that you’d never dream of saying to someone else?

If so, you’re not alone. Sadly, most people have experienced body shaming of one kind or another — whether it’s said to your face, like “You’ll never be taken seriously looking like that,” or “Do you really need to eat all of that?” — or behind your back, “Did you see the size of their ABC?” — or even silently to yourself, “I’m so hideous — look at my XYZ!”

Body shaming is actually a form of bullying. It involves humiliating or criticising someone’s body shape or size — their perceived faults and imperfections. It’s emotionally and mentally damaging and reinforces the idea that our self-worth depends on how we look, and that people deserve judgment based on appearance.

Body shaming doesn’t just harm the person it’s aimed at. When we allow ourselves to judge someone else’s body, we reinforce the kind of thinking that leads us to judge ourselves too. Body shaming damages us in so many ways and blocks us from living a happy and healthy life in a body we can enjoy.

In addition, the impacts can be far-reaching and long-term, including higher risks of depression, eating disorders like binge-eating and bulimia, reduced self-esteem and self-worth, and other health issues related to the stress it causes. 

So let’s commit to standing up for our bodies and stopping this harmful shaming in its tracks.

Here are seven reasons why we need to stop body shaming — and what we can do instead to promote self-love, compassion, and gratitude for our amazing bodies, no matter their shape or size.

Reason 1 is because Body Shaming Doesn’t Help with Long-Term Weight Management

We might think that body shaming will motivate us or others to take action to manage weight, but it actually does the opposite.

When we feel shamed — whether by others or ourselves —  we’re more likely to eat emotionally, often eating more than we need and choosing foods that aren’t nourishing for our bodies. This is especially important after weight loss surgery or while using GLP-1 medications, where habits and mindset make all the difference to lasting results.

We’re also more likely to avoid being active because we feel embarrassed or like we don’t belong. When we avoid movement, we miss out on the mood-boosting endorphins that help us make better health decisions.

Even if body shaming pushes us to be strict and disciplined for a short time, it comes from a place of fear and ‘not being enough’ — so willpower only lasts so long, and we’re likely to abandon any plan after a week or two.

Instead, try loving and caring for your body even as you work to change it. When your choices come from love or self-compassion, rather than fear or judgement, you’re more likely to support your long-term health and wellbeing. Choosing movement, rest, food, and self-care because you value yourself, not because you want to punish or fix yourself, helps you build lasting habits that nourish both body and mind.

Reason 2 is because Body Shaming Eats Away at Your Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Babies are born inherently worthy simply because they exist, but as we grow, most of us learn to measure our worth through others’ eyes and our own inner critic.

Low self-esteem can affect every part of our lives, our relationships, work, health, finances and more, and it keeps us trapped in a story that we’re not enough as we are, yet if we’re stuck in that mindset, how can we create success in any area of life, including our health and weight?

Instead, remind yourself of your strengths and positive qualities, and be compassionate towards yourself. Humans are wonderfully different. We all have flaws and challenges, but also gifts and goodness, so treat yourself as you would a friend. Celebrate your wins, big and small, and remember that you are already worthy, just as you are.

Reason 3. Is because Body Shaming Makes It Hard to Enjoy Living

When we feel ashamed of our bodies or focus on what we see as wrong, we start avoiding situations where we might be ‘seen.’

We all have days when we don’t feel our best, but if we believe we’re not okay to be seen, our self-worth suffers. Enjoyable moments such as meeting friends, going out, spending time at the park or beach and so on become filled with anxiety about how we look, and shaming ourselves means we feel disgusting or horrible or not enough no matter what we wear. We’re therefore more likely to hold ourselves back from connection and joy.

Instead, live life anyway.

Focus on what your body can do and the experiences it allows, rather than its size or shape. Your body is a miraculous vessel, enabling breathing, sensing, moving, loving, and living so celebrate those gifts. When you show up without shame, you give yourself permission to fully immerse in life and you give others the same freedom.

Reason 4. Is that Body Shaming Can Mask What the Issue Really Is

Often, we shame others when we’re actually feeling hurt, rejected, intimidated, or comparing ourselves unfavourably. It can feel easier to attack someone’s appearance than to own our feelings and vulnerabilities.

Instead, acknowledge your emotions and talk about them with the person involved or a trusted friend. Expressing fear, frustration, or sadness can open the door to better understanding and respect in relationships, and even acknowledging how you feel to yourself can create space for self-compassion and healing.

5. Body Shaming Stops You Connecting With People Who Matter

To shame our bodies, we must be constantly focused on ourselves — looking for flaws and faults, and this self-focus leaves little room to notice or appreciate our loved ones.

Instead, look for ways to connect and build others up. Giving your time and attention to loved ones helps you move away from the self-centredness of body shaming, and the more you see the beauty in others, inside and out, the easier it becomes to see yourself as a whole, beautiful person too.

6. Body Shaming Perpetuates the Myth of External Validation

Focusing on physical appearance means we buy into the story that we are only ‘okay’ if others say so. Constantly seeking approval from outside, and criticising ourselves or others when we don’t measure up, gives power to forces that may not even know or care about our approval.

Instead, remind yourself that the only approval you need is your own.

Jack Canfield said, “You have to take yourself everywhere you go,” so it makes sense to prioritise loving acceptance of yourself, even while you work on improvements. Building self-love and self-esteem disconnects you from needing external validation — once you have it for yourself, no one can take it away, so look for things you like about yourself and remind yourself of them daily.

7. Body Shaming Loves Company

Body shaming thrives in number, and it’s easy to find faults in ourselves and others when it feels acceptable. It can become an unconscious habit, and we will  tend to spend time with others who do the same, increasing the judgement of ourselves and others.

Instead, bring attention to body shaming, call it out and seek out body-positive people.

Better still, become someone who focuses on what bodies can do, rather than how they look — like saying, “My arms let me hug people I love,” or “My stomach protects my organs.”

Celebrate your body and other people’s bodies for what they enable, and let’s be grateful for this vessel that lets you live your life. The more you surround yourself with people who refuse to comment on appearances the more you’ll be able to grow kindness and love for yourself and others.

So whether you’ve been facing body shaming from others or have been body shaming yourself, remember you have the power to change this behaviour and how you respond to it.

Changing thoughts and habits isn’t easy, but committing to stand up for your body and stop harmful shaming moves you closer to a happier, healthier life.

We have plenty of resources to help you, including our Boosting Self Esteem hypnosis recording in the Mindset Support Audios library, so make sure you check that out. Above all, remind yourself every day that you are worthy of love and respect — no matter your size or shape, just like everyone else around us. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you next time.