Finding Your Inner Beauty: A Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Body Shaming

It’s a New year and your body should be treated with love and respect, not shame. Unfortunately, body shamers still lurk in the shadows of the internet, waiting to tear someone down. Don’t let them win!

Standing up to people who shame other bodies is no easy feat. You need a thick skin, maybe some backup, and the right words to shut them down. 

The words you choose can make a difference; in how you feel afterwards and, potentially, in how the other person hears it too.

So let’s arm ourselves with some hard-hitting comebacks for when we finally encounter that one internet troll who spreads negativity about our bodies and those of others too. 

In this post, I’ll be diving into seven tips on how to tell someone what’s up without coming off as angry or aggressive – because honestly, nobody likes a mean girl!

What Is The Cause of Body Shaming?

Ah yes, body shaming. We all know it’s a thing but what is it exactly? In a nutshell: it’s when someone makes someone else feel bad about their looks. 

According to science-types, body-shaming can stem from our own insecurities, or from a misguided attempt to provide ‘helpful’ (ahem) advice.

The bottom line is no one should try to make you feel bad about yourself – especially when it comes to your body! Even if someone is trying to provide ‘helpful’ feedback, remember that your body belongs to you and only you can choose how to take care of it. 

So, the next time you find yourself on the receiving end of some unsolicited commentary… take a deep breath and remind yourself that their opinion matters less than yours.

It is also important that you know that ‘hurt ‘people hurt other people. They are projecting their unhappiness and insecurities to you and you have a choice to reject it. 

What To Do If Someone Body Shames You?

Ah, body shaming – the buzzkill of most conversations. Do you feel slightly embarrassed and uncomfortable when someone decides to take a jab at your body? 

We’ve all been there – and it’s time to take a stand against it. If you’ve been body shamed, follow these seven tips to put an end to it:

1. Stay Calm – It’s easy to get caught in the heat of the moment and respond angrily, but don’t be fooled – that’s only going to fuel an already heated situation. Remind yourself that you are bigger than this and above such comments, so be the bigger person and stay composed.

2. Don’t Take It Personally – It may not always be easy but try not to take such comments personally. Realize that it is often more indicative of the other person’s insecurities than your own looks or weight, so brush it off your shoulder and move on with grace.

3. Speak Up – Let them know that their comment was inappropriate in a calm yet firm manner so they understand how wrong they were – even if they don’t apologize, at least you will have made your point clear.

4. Choose Your Response Carefully – No matter what you say or do, think twice before responding – choose an appropriate response while remaining respectful of yourself as well as others involved in the conversation.

5. Walk Away – Sometimes walking away from someone who is making inappropriate comments is the best thing you can do for yourself and your mental health – if you sense them continuing their rude behavior for too long, then simply leave the conversation ASAP!

6. Choose Your Battles – Not everybody is going to like you. Even if you gave your blood or your neck, there are still people who won’t approve of you because they think you’re doing the most. My advice for you is just relax and stop worrying about them.

7. Know Your Identity – Your identity does not come from people but from God. We’re created in His image therefore what anybody says doesn’t except what God says about me.  When we don’t have a relationship with God then it becomes hard to deal with body shamers because their voice will be louder than what God says concerning you.

Download our free daily affirmation and worksheet to help you build your confidence and eliminate body shaming.

 

What Do You Call A Person Who Body Shames People?

Have you ever met anyone who is guilty of body shaming? Maybe it’s a friend, family member, or even a stranger. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to confront it head-on. But first, let’s get one thing straight: what do you call a person who body shames people?

The answer is simple: judgmental. That’s right—that person judging your appearance isn’t just being mean, they’re also displaying judgmental behavior. And that’s not something to be taken lightly!

I love what the Bible says concerning such people in Matthew 7:3-5

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 

⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 

⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. 

There are a few key things to remember when confronting someone about their body shaming behavior:

• Acknowledge that their comments hurt you

• Explain why their words are a form of judgment, and that no one should be judged for their appearance

• Remind them that everyone is on their own journey and shouldn’t be judged for others decisions

• Empower them to be more mindful and aware of how they’re speaking about others

• Offer resources if they need help understanding why body shaming someone is wrong

• End on an uplifting note by reminding them that you will always stand up against any form of discrimination or judgment.

How do I Stop Body Shaming In School?

Body shaming in school can be particularly tough to tackle, since you’re dealing with kids who might not understand the consequences of their actions—or why it’s wrong in the first place. But there are things you can do!

Speak Up!

The first way to make a difference is to speak up. If you’re in an environment where body shaming is occurring, make sure to let your teacher or school administrators know, so they can take action.

Educate Your Peers

If you want to take a more proactive approach, why not roll up your sleeves and educate your peers? Host a workshop on self-love and acceptance that looks at body diversity while also explaining why inappropriate jokes, spiteful words and hurtful comments are unacceptable.

Get Supportive Adults Involved

No-one should have to go through the pain of being shamed in school, which is why it’s important for educators and parents alike to get involved. Talk to them about the issue and ask for their help in trying to make a difference.

Address Concerns Immediately

If someone does make an inappropriate comment, address it immediately and try your best not to ignore it. Explain exactly why their comments are wrong and encourage them (and others) to think about what they say before speaking out loud or posting something online.

The journey to stop body shaming starts with us. We should be more mindful of the language we use to talk about others, and take the time to educate others on the consequences of body shaming. 

Don’t let body shaming stand in the way of someone’s confidence. Speak out and put a stop to it!

And if you’re still in need of a motivating phrase to stand behind, let’s all try this one out for size: “A compliment is the only clothing body shaming will never fit in.”