Body positivity was created to address the way body image influences mental health and overall well-being. However, there are a few problems with body positivity. According to Psychologist Susan Albers, Psy.D., “body positivity is a subset of toxic positivity. Some feel that it blames people for how they feel based on their mindset. It can also push people into trying to feel something that they don’t.” Although the intentions behind body positivity is admirable, unconditionally loving one’s body can seem unrealistic, because many people report being unhappy about themselves. Another criticism of body positivity is that it can be non-inclusive to people of color, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Body images that are often portrayed in body-positive messages still conform to a specific beauty ideal.

Body positivity was created to address the way body image influences mental health and overall well-being. However, there are a few problems with body positivity. According to Psychologist Susan Albers, Psy.D., “body positivity is a subset of toxic positivity. Some feel that it blames people for how they feel based on their mindset. It can also push people into trying to feel something that they don’t.” Although the intentions behind body positivity is admirable, unconditionally loving one’s body can seem unrealistic, because many people report being unhappy about themselves. Another criticism of body positivity is that it can be non-inclusive to people of color, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Body images that are often portrayed in body-positive messages still conform to a specific beauty ideal.