How can there be body acceptance and growth?
Body image can be a paradox. It is about accepting reality—the shape, size, and function of one’s body as it is in the present moment. And yet, the measurement of health often implies the need for change. We track weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, body fat percentage, and other markers as indicators that something must shift—more exercise, different foods, fewer calories, different medications. This creates an ironic tension: We are told to love and accept our bodies, yet also to change for something “better.”
Is acceptance the same as stagnation?
There’s a common fear that accepting your body as it is means resigning yourself to it. Forever. That acceptance equals stagnation. But true acceptance isn’t about passivity; it’s about acknowledging reality WITHOUT shame.
It’s the difference between saying, “This is where I am, and I hate it” versus “This is where I am, and I will take care of myself from here.”
Acceptance is the foundation of sustainable growth. Without it, attempts at change are often fueled by self-loathing, which can lead to unsustainable extremes—crash diets, compulsive exercise, or avoidance of health behaviors altogether.
When acceptance is present, change can be approached with compassion rather than punishment. You can work toward health improvements while also honoring the body you have today. It’s a tricky mindset to adapt in hustle cultures that are fast past and begging for the before and after.
Healing body image while managing disease
For those juggling chronic illness, disabilities, or other medical conditions, body image struggles can be even more pronounced. When your body doesn’t function the way you want it to or when medical professionals focus only on numbers and risks, it can feel like your body isnt safe and is betraying you.
So how do you heal your relationship with your body while also managing disease?
Here are 5 tips to focus on – slowly.
- Separate Health from Aesthetics – Not all health changes are about appearance. You can pursue strength, endurance, or blood sugar control without fixating on weight or shape.
- Measure in Ways That Feel Empowering – Instead of obsessing over a number on the scale, track improvements in energy, mobility, or symptom relief. Focus on the experience.
- Challenge Medical Fatphobia – If a healthcare provider only focuses on weight loss rather than holistic health, advocate for yourself. Seek professionals who see you as a whole person, not just a BMI chart. It’s ok if their approach doesn’t feel comfortable for you.
- Cultivate Neutrality, Not Just Positivity – You don’t have to love every inch of your body all the time. But you can move toward body neutrality—acknowledging that your body is a vehicle for living, regardless of its shape or function. Respect takes time.
- Emphasize Function Over Form – What can your body do today? What are small wins in mobility, endurance, or comfort? Shifting the focus from aesthetics to ability can be freeing.
Growth and acceptance can coexist
Accepting your body doesn’t mean giving up on health. It means starting from a place of kindness instead of punishment. It means recognizing that health is personal, that wellness looks different for every body, and that numbers don’t define worth. Separate your being from your doing.
Your body, in sickness or in strength, is still your own. And it is worthy of care, exactly as it is.
Recent Comments