Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality [Poll]

You’ve heard about body positivity, and you’ve heard about body shaming. Have you heard about body neutrality? It’s a buzzword that’s going around the internet, and I’ll admit I hadn’t heard of it myself. But I was determined to get to the bottom of what it is. The word neutral implies feelings of indifference. Is this what body neutrality is all about? That doesn’t seem hugely empowering. It turns out, that’s not what body neutrality is at all.

Are You Body Positive or Body Neutral?

You may be body neutral while thinking you’ve been body positive the whole time. Let us know what you think below, then keep reading!

Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality

There are key differences between body positivity and body neutrality. Both mean well. Each concept aims to empower people to feel better about themselves and embrace the bodies they have. So how do the two terms compare?

Body Positivity

Rooted in the concept that everyone should accept the body they have and the way it evolves. Whether it’s aging, weight gain, or pregnancy, body positivity promotes the idea of loving yourself no matter what. It focuses on the fact that hating our bodies is bad. But what if we can’t love our bodies no matter what?

Body Neutrality

Body neutrality is a newer concept. People should feel good about their bodies. With body neutrality, though, individuals are provided a little more of a “gray area.” We might not love our bodies today, but we don’t hate them either.

Body neutrality is recognizing the things we do like about our bodies, even when there are still things we don’t. You might not love your tummy right now, but maybe you love your hair. Body neutrality offers a way for people to feel good without feeling pressured to love everything.

A Note from GR8NESS

Ultimately, whether you’re body positive or body neutral, you’re still on the path to self-love, and that’s something to celebrate.