The body positivity movement has its roots in the fat acceptance and feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s. However, it wasn't until the early 2010s that body positivity gained mainstream attention, particularly on social media platforms. The movement's early advocates, such as Tess Holliday and Ashley Graham, used their platforms to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote self-acceptance.
This approach fails because it is rooted in shame. Research consistently shows that shame is a poor long-term motivator. It triggers cortisol spikes (the stress hormone), which can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and disordered eating patterns. Worse, it excludes people in larger bodies, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses from feeling welcome in wellness spaces. The body positivity movement has its roots in