Jersey A.
Alamo November 05, 2024
10 – Amorsolo Argumentative Essay
How does Body Shaming Ruin One’s Life?
“Your body is a reflection of your soul” According to Stephanie Storey. Body
shaming refers to the act of humiliating or criticizing someone for their physical
appearance. It compasses various forms, including fat-shaming, thin-staming, height-
shaming and criticiem based on hair type or color, body shape, muscularity and facial
features. It can be said that body shaming leads people down a self of doubt and
negativity that contributes towards mental health issues.
Firstly, body shaming has a great impact on individuals and their mental health.
Studies show body shaming may result into mental disorders, like anxiety and
depression, and low self image. Additionally, body shaming is such a phenomenon that
is not confined to a particular area or characteristic rather it is a condition that integrates
into human personality. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation showed that as much
as 37% of the teenagers reported being distressed while 31% felt ashamed of their body.
This has damaging impacts on the self-image of a person and their chances of self-
acceptance and confidence easily goes down the drain.
Secondly, body shaming leads to great loss of self-confidence and alters the
perception of self and body. Emma Watson said “feeling beautiful has nothing to do
with what you look like.” Those who have such thoughts keep criticizing themselves
which leads to lack of acceptance of one’s body. The lifelong effects of body image and
self-esteem have their detrimental effects on relationships and of overall satisfaction
with life across the later stages of adulthood.
Finally, body shaming can lead to a perpetual cycle whereby the individual’s
self-image becomes a major area of concern which over time leads the consumption of
unhealthy habits. Our research indicates that many people who have gone through a
body shaming process tend to suffer from depression, anxiety and eating disorders,
These can lead to a cycle where the person tries to live up to extremes of beauty
standards which ultimately leads to more dissatisfaction and potentially damaging
effects.
Other claims that the body shaming should be treated as an opinion since it is a
form of expression as well criticism and people are allowed to have an opinion on
someone’s body. However, the freedom of speech is granted to all, but it does not cover
actions which will cause clear and distinguishable harm to other people. According to
the Mental Health Foundation, one in eight (13%) of adults have had suicidal thoughts
or feelings which resulted from the ‘freedom of speech’ that people used to justify
disrespecting those who are overweight or bodies.
In conclusion however, body shaming should not be accepted in current times,
it brings severe negative effect on both mental and physical health meanwhile any
positive benefit from self-expression is outweighed. It brings mental disorders, reduces
the levels of self-satisfaction which in turn leads to distortion of body image and other
negative life choices. We have a responsibility to speak up against body shaming,
encourage acceptance of all sizes, and fight for a healthy society that doesn’t prioritize
unrealistic beauty over wellbeing.
