By Sanne Pieters
From the article:
‘Sanne Pieters of the KU Leuven recognizes this problem. ‘Fitness is often presented as a path to mental well-being, but that claim is not so self-evident’, she says. ‘Beauty ideals and the pressure to lose weight play a central role. Diets have not disappeared; they have adapted to modern times. Just look at the slogans that appear after the holidays: “Join the gym and feel mentally stronger.” These kinds of ambiguous messages often conceal another motive: exercising is good for the mind, but the extra pounds after the holidays seem to be the real motivation. In the end, it is mainly about our appearance.’’
‘‘The reasons for losing weight are often very personal, but that creates an uncomfortable tension within the body positivity community,’ says Sanne Pieters. ‘You feel the pressure to live up to an ideal image of acceptance, and that is not always achievable.’ The struggle to maintain your self-esteem while looking in the mirror can then become a hellish task. Although body positivity is a noble pursuit, it still places too much emphasis on the body as a benchmark for self-love. ‘That explains the outrage when a popular body positivity influencer decides to lose weight,’ Pieters explains. ‘For many who struggle with their own body image, this feels like a personal rejection.’’ Read the full article on Knack Weekend.