Who Profits from our Pain?

As a population diet culture is everywhere: programs have features on weight loss or the next “miracle lifestyle” that will save you from yourself, weight loss books line whole sections of bookshops and magazines (despite saying they are showing more “real women”) still have headlines about “stunning” after photos and dramatic weightloss while others demonise weight gain as “letting themselves go” or “ballooning”.

No one mentions that being underweight is just as unhealthy as being overweight. Nor do the majority of diet crazed media care to remind us that “studies suggest that up to 50 percent of Americans have a “disordered” relationship with exercise, their body and food.” (NEDA,2015) It’s fair to assume that while there will be differences within populations this percentage of people will span across the world. In my own family, I don’t think I can even name one person who likes their body completely.

while there will be differences within populations this percentage of people will span across the world. In my own family, I don’t think I can even name one person who likes their body completely.

We grow up in a world that makes us feel inadequate. It’s just accepted as fact that we are flawed, that we need that low-calorie meal, gym membership, diet plan or makeup to fix us.

Our bodies are not flawed.  

Our imperfections have been created so manufacturers can fix them. We have all been so lied to that on some level we accept it as truth. I’ve been the child that gazes at the diet smoothie - waiting for the day I could legally buy it, if that didn’t work cosmetic surgery was always an option right? There are children growing up dreaming of paying someone to chop away their stomach instead of playing with their friends. On a hideously huge scale our society allows businesses that tear us down to flourish while our passions go unrealised because we are so consumed - it’s a perfect marketing strategy.

I’m not saying that I love every inch of my body all the time but I’ve come a long way. Even on my bad body image days, I am thankful for my body for allowing me to walk this earth, functioning and allowing me to live. My external aesthetics are like the gift wrap on a present - the real blessing is hidden. I spent far too many years looking, tearing and poking the paper without ever appreciating the thing inside.

Next time you tear yourself down ask yourself “Who is profiting from my pain?”  Would you give that person money if they stood in front of you? 

Your body is flawless, your face is perfect, your acne is natural and your cellulite is given to you by nature. Your body breathes - how amazing is that in itself?! Your looks are the least interesting thing about you compared to the amazing things you hold within yourself.

Stay strong and support each other <3

lots of love

Eleanor x