How To Fight Body Shaming And Accept The Skin You're In

The Impact Of Body Shaming

When an individual feels bad about themselves, it can negatively impact not only their physical health but their mental health as well. Research published in the journal Obesity showed higher levels of weight-bias internalization are associated with metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of health issues that raise the risk for diabetes and heart disease. Weight-bias internalization is a term describing when individuals are aware of negative stereotypes about obesity and apply these stereotypes to themselves. In this study, overweight women who believed these negative remarks about their bodies were at an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes than individuals who maintained a positive body image. Other long-term impacts body shaming can have on an afflicted individual include developing low self-esteem, which can transform into depression and anxiety, as well as eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia.