The Harmful Effects of Body Shaming

Body shaming refers to humiliating, criticizing, or talking down to someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body – often by comparing it to others’ bodies. It happens most often when people are of a larger size, but body shaming can also occur when someone is underweight or in reference to a specific body part. For those with spinal cord injuries, people might make comments about how your body functions differently from others. Sometimes body shaming also refers to the way someone appears in clothing or makeup. For example, a magazine may mock a celebrity for doing things like not wearing makeup, crying, or leaving the gym. No matter how it manifests, body shaming perpetuates the idea that people should be judged for their physical features (even when physical features may be completely outside of one’s control).

When someone is criticized about their body, it can be harmful and should be avoided at all costs, but it can be difficult. When you see photoshopped images on social media, it can understandably make you feel envious of others. This can be especially difficult for those with paralysis because there is already a lack of paralysis representation in the media. Comparing yourself to others – especially when the media is full of unrealistic representations of those with a “perfect body”– can lead to toxic attitudes and behaviors. It’s even more difficult when our own friends and family comment about our bodies. Body shaming can come from all sources (near and far), and it becomes highly destructive when it diminishes our self-worth and body image.

Body shaming also includes offering dietary advice or complimenting weight loss. Even when people often don't mean to offend you, their remarks can be harsh. For example, when someone says, “You look so good now! Keep up your weight loss!” it can send the message that the person did not look good prior to losing weight. Sometimes this can reinforce the idea that a person is only worthy and acceptable if they are a smaller size. The person commenting may have good intentions, but it’s much healthier to refrain from commenting on weight because you never know how someone feels.