It can be challenging to let go of your previous body or the idea of the body you want, thanks to diet culture and fatphobia in today’s society.
Did you ever look at pictures of your high school self and wish you looked the same?
It’s emotional to let go of our previous bodies. Although weight isn’t a moral issue, we live in a society that praises thinness.
A feeling of “body grief” may be causing you to yearn for your dream body.
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How Does Body Grief Manifest?
You may notice body grief mainly surfaces when you accept your body. Bri Campos, a body image educator, said, “Body grief is the distress caused by the perceived losses that come when you stop attempting to change your body size.”
Anyone can experience body grief, even those who have fatphobia, chronic illness, or eating disorders recovering. According to Campos, a person may also experience body grief when their physical strength or mobility is lost.
Best Way To Cope With Body Grief
How do you deal with grief intentionally and compassionately? Try these tips on your own or with a therapist.
Slimming Doesn’t Solve Everything
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People who experience weight discrimination – people who do not get hired because of their weight, cannot fit into most stores’ clothes, fear going to the doctor because the doctor blames every problem on their weight – struggle with it.
The Thin Ideal Is A Myth
There’s no health benefit to thinness. Research shows that body size isn’t the only predictor of health; people can be healthy with different body sizes. Health measurements using BMI are inaccurate and racist as well.
Self-Compassion Is Key
Nisbet said, “The best encouragement I have for someone struggling with body grief is to practice radical compassion towards yourself.” Grounding techniques and breathing exercises were encouraged in her message.