Body Neutrality: Understanding the Concept and Its Benefits

Our relationship with our body changes and shifts as we age and grow. In recent years, concerns about body image have become increasingly prevalent, making this relationship a critical aspect of overall wellbeing.

The modern landscape of social media, combined with diet culture and an ever-expanding wellness industry creates a complex environment to navigate.

While some respond to these pressures through movements like body positivity and body acceptance, many find these approaches too ambitious as starting points. It’s particularly difficult to ‘love’ your body if you have lived experience of an eating disorder.

This is where body neutrality emerges as a valuable alternative, offering a gentler path away from self-critical thoughts and judgements.

For those new to these concepts, here’s a breakdown:

Body Positivity

The aim of body positivity is to challenge the limiting stereotypical beauty and body ideals that are often seen in western society. Body positivity sees all bodies as ‘good’, no matter their shape, weight, colour or size. It is inclusive and aims to celebrate body diversity with a strong focus on the inclusion and acceptance of larger bodies.

Body Acceptance

For some, the idea of celebrating and liking what they see in the mirror can feel impossible and unrealistic. Body acceptance invites people to explore why they may be feeling dissatisfied and uncomfortable in that moment. Instead of reacting to these feelings by turning on their bodies, body acceptance encourages people to work through and navigate feelings in a compassionate and accepting way. Body acceptance is seen as a lifelong process and practice.

Body Neutrality

This mindset moves beyond both positivity and acceptance to embrace the concept that we can exist in our bodies without dwelling on their appearance. The philosophy suggests that our bodies are simply vessels that transport us through life, rather than defining features of our identity.

To understand body neutrality in practice, consider this quote by actor and founder of @i_weigh Jameela Jamil: ‘Imagine just not thinking about your body. You’re not hating it. You’re not loving it. You’re just a floating head. I’m a floating head wandering through the world’

Unlike the body positivity movement, body neutrality doesn’t require positive feelings about one’s appearance. The focus shifts instead to functionality and recognising that physical appearance isn’t the primary measure of our worth.

Exploring Body Neutrality’s Potential Benefits

Body neutrality can serve as a stepping stone towards a more positive body image by helping individuals move away from harmful self-judgment and negative thought patterns.

“Personally, I’ve always had a negative relationship with my body. When activists, influencers and at times, professionals, suggest working on body positivity and acceptance, I feel overwhelmed. Right now, that doesn’t feel attainable but what does feel attainable is moving away from disliking my body and into a place where I’m thankful for what it does for me. Body neutrality has allowed me to appreciate how my body functions for me – I can hug my loved ones, walk along the beach, play with my dog, and travel the world. Neutrality has helped dull overly critical thoughts.” – Tyler-May, Sunshine Coast QLD

This approach may be particularly valuable for those struggling with body image concerns or negative body relationships.

Getting Started with Body Neutrality

• Begin your journey by identifying specific goals you’d like to achieve, such as:
• Reduce body checking behaviours
• Reduce negative self-talk towards my body
• Improve my understanding of how my body functions for me
• Practice gratitude for what my body allows me to do

From there, develop concrete action steps. Consider starting with simple practices like documenting one way your body served you each day before bed. Track your feelings about your body at the start and end of each week to monitor progress.

This practice helps redirect attention from appearance to life experiences and meaningful moments. Those with current or past experiences of body image concerns, disordered eating, or eating disorders should consider working with healthcare professionals when implementing these practices.

Managing Social Media Impact

Your social media environment can play a crucial role in body image. When practicing body neutrality, evaluate your social media feeds and who you follow by asking:

• Is this account causing me to compare/judge/alternate my body or appearance?
• How do I feel when viewing this content?
• Does this account cause me to think about my body more?
• Does this account help me to practice body neutrality?

Navigating Body-Related Discussions

In our appearance-focused society, conversations about bodies and dieting are common. When these topics arise, it’s perfectly acceptable to establish boundaries. Try saying:

“Talking about weight/appearance is difficult for me. I am aiming for a more neutral relationship with my body, and would appreciate it if we could talk about other topics that aren’t related to appearance. We are worth so much more than our looks or size anyway!”

When negative body thoughts emerge, reframe them by focusing on functionality and purpose. Replace thoughts like ‘[Insert body part] looks so disgusting today’ with ‘[Insert body part] helps me move through the world and I am grateful because it allows me to do XYZ’

Remember: Progress Takes Time

Developing body neutrality is a gradual process, especially for those with a history of negative body image and eating concerns. Practice self-compassion throughout your journey, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed.

For confidential and free support, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEDT), call the Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or chat online or email.