Body Shaming:

Understanding the
Impact
Body shaming is a pervasive issue that can have a profound impact on
individuals and society. It refers to the act of making critical and hurtful
comments about a person's body, weight, or appearance, often leading to feelings
of low self-esteem and body image concerns.

by Rutuja Chinchwalkar
Common Types of Body Shaming
1 Weight-Based Shaming
This involves negative comments or
discrimination based on a person's
weight, body size, or shape, contributing
to emotional distress and mental health
challenges.
2 Appearance-Based Shaming
Body shaming may also target specific
physical features, such as skin color,
body hair, facial features, or any other
aspect of appearance that does not
conform to societal beauty standards.

3 Age-Related Shaming
This type of shaming focuses on age-related changes in the body, such as signs of aging, and
can lead to internalized ageism and discrimination.
Impact of Body Shaming on Individuals
and Society
Emotional Well-Being Societal Norms Health Implications

Body shaming can result in low
self-esteem, anxiety, depression,
and eating disorders, affecting
the mental health and emotional
well-being of individuals.
It perpetuates unrealistic beauty
standards, contributes to societal
pressure to conform, and leads to
the stigmatization of diverse
body types.
It can have serious physical
health consequences and
perpetuate weight-based
discrimination, impacting access
to healthcare and overall well-
being.