Content warning: This article discusses topics related to body image, including mentions of body dissatisfaction, fatphobia, and body dysmorphia. If these subjects are triggering, please proceed with care and consider skipping this piece. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) offers resources for those struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. For immediate support, text "HELLO" to 741741 (US-based) to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
While the term 'body positivity' has existed for decades, the movement made its most recent—and biggest splash—starting in the 2010s.1 All over our screens, big and small, we experienced surges of content from people loving, reclaiming, and celebrating the glory that is the human (and in many cases, female body). Folks declared themselves all about that bass and juicy. Body positive content creators praised the stretch mark, the dimple, and banished shame about cellulite—and most importantly, confronted fatphobia head on.
Well, there’s a new movement on the horizon: body neutrality. And as always, we’re here to give you the full download: what it is, what it isn’t, and how you can start implementing it if it resonates with you.
What It Is
Body neutrality is the “act of taking a neutral stance about your body.”2 The term was popularized by Anne Poirer’s The Body Joyful in 2015, and today, the concept has been adopted by millions of people making peace with their bodies.3 Here’s how it works:
Think of your body image, or the subjective thoughts and feelings you have about your body, on a spectrum. Body hatred, a.k.a. a completely negative outlook on your body and its appearance, is on one end. Body positivity, or a fully positive, celebratory outlook on your body and its appearance, is on the other. Body neutrality exists exactly in the center of those two extremes and aims to observe the body without judgment.
Now, what does that really mean? It means accepting that your body is the vessel that holds you—not the single most defining aspect about you. This can include acknowledging your body’s benefits, limitations, and everything in between, while accepting and respecting your body. In short: being body neutral means how your body looks doesn’t make OR ruin your day—it’s just a part of you.
What It's Not
Despite what some may believe, body neutrality is not in conflict with body positivity. In our opinion, these philosophies aren’t at war—in fact, they’re buddies. Practitioners of body neutrality don’t look down on those who celebrate their bodies, just as those who embrace body positivity are respectful of those with different body-mind relationships. Body neutrality aims to acknowledge that every day won’t feel celebration-worthy—and that this reality is okay in the journey to self-acceptance.
Why It Matters
Many believe that body neutrality allows them to focus on other things and place less emphasis on their day-to-day appearance. And, while there’s nothing wrong with body positivity’s aim to love every single part of your body, that’s not where everyone is at.
Recovering from body image issues doesn’t happen overnight. And no matter how many affirmations we say, it can be difficult to banish insecurities and love every single part of our bodies, every single day. Body neutrality can be a great alternative for those who struggle with maintaining a positive perception of themselves due its approachable nature.
Jessi Kneeland, author of Body Neutral: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Body Image Issues, describes body neutrality as a “safe place to rest while exiting body hatred, without [the pressure] of magically loving every part of yourself.”4
We live in a world that is constantly telling us to focus on our bodies, both positively and negatively. Body neutrality emerged as a resistance to that pressure—and many have found it to be a deeply peaceful approach to self-love.
What It Can Do For You
Alleviate body stress.
How often do you find yourself stressing about your body’s appearance? If your answer is nearly all the time, you’re not alone. A collection of studies found that nearly 69-84% of women experienced dissatisfaction with their bodies, and another handful expressed that dissatisfaction through body checking (the compulsive scrutiny of body size and shape).5
Body checking behaviors manifest in many different ways: constantly stepping on the scale, measuring yourself, looking at insecurities over and over again in the mirror.6 Working towards body neutrality means less time agonizing and thinking about your body—but if self-perception is something you frequently struggle with, speaking with a professional may be a viable option.
Affirm your worth.
Once you understand that your worth doesn’t stem from what your body looks like, you get to do the fun work of finding out where it does stem from. What makes you worthy? Your intelligence. Your kindness. Your ability to connect with others. Your strength. Your incredible puns. Your incredible dance moves. A body neutral stance can give you room to figure out who you are and why you believe you’re valuable — outside of the vessel you show up in.
Aim for improved self-perception.
Body dysmorphia, or an obsession with perceived flaws in one’s appearance, affects millions of people worldwide.7 Even for those who aren’t affected by body dysmorphia, it can be hard to truly see ourselves in a way that’s healthy.
Some clinicians consider body neutrality as a potential first step to dismantling body dysmorphia. And here’s why: when you take apart the idea that a ‘flaw’ is catastrophic, you can take away its power to cause harm. When you accept that your body doesn’t determine your value as a human being, it’s easier to see (and appreciate) it. And when you don’t judge yourself for having both positive and sometimes negative thoughts about your body, you can give yourself room for true acceptance.
How To Start Practicing It
Like any change to your perspective, adopting body neutrality is a process. If you’re interested in learning more, we recommend checking out some body neutral affirmations, journaling about your experience, exploring online body neutrality communities, and opening up conversations with your support system. Speaking with a trusted professional, such a therapist, can also be instrumental for many on their journey to healthy self-perception.
Our only request? Allow yourself to feel every emotion on your journey. The key to body neutrality is holding the reality that not every day will be a good one—and that’s what makes you human.
