Why Body Image Matters

February marks a time to reflect on how eating disorders impact individuals and their loved ones across North America. Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) - in Canada (February 1–7 ) and in the United States (February 24–March 2 (United States) - is an awareness campaign to help reduce stigma around eating disorders and food-related concerns.

While EDAW focuses on eating disorders, it provides an opportunity to discuss the broader challenges many people face with body image, food, and self-esteem. Even without an eating disorder, many individuals experience body-related struggles, whether through weight preoccupation, negative self-talk, or societal pressures.

Body image is everywhere—woven into advertising, social media, entertainment, and even grocery store labels. The messages we receive often focus on appearance over well-being, making it difficult to foster a healthy relationship with our bodies. But what if body image wasn’t something to “fix” or “perfect,” but rather an evolving experience?

Body Image is More Than Just Self-Love

When we think about body image, we often fall into black-and-white thinking—either loving or hating our bodies. But in reality, body image exists on a spectrum. There’s a middle ground between self-love and self-criticism, and it’s okay to land somewhere in between.

A key part of this shift is moving away from appearance-based validation and toward appreciation for what the body does. Here are two helpful ways to reframe body image:

• Body Acceptance: Honouring and respecting your body as it is right now, without feeling the need to change it.
• Body Neutrality: Focusing on what your body does for you, rather than how it looks—reducing pressure to feel positively about your body at all times.

These perspectives encourage a more sustainable and compassionate way of relating to our bodies, recognizing that feelings about body image naturally fluctuate.

Supporting a Healthier Body Image for Ourselves and Others

Even if you don’t struggle with disordered eating or body image concerns, it’s valuable to reflect on how we engage with our own self-image. The way we speak about our bodies and food choices—to ourselves and those around us—can shape perceptions and attitudes over time.

Here are some ways to foster a healthier, more compassionate relationship with your body:

• Model self-compassion: The way we talk about our bodies matters—practicing gentle self-talk and kindness toward ourselves can set an example for others, including children.

• Encourage body gratitude: Instead of focusing on how a body looks, shift the focus to what a body can do—breathing, moving, resting, healing, and carrying us through life.

• Reframe conversations around food and movement: Food is fuel and nourishment, not something to be “earned” or “burned off.” Similarly, movement can be about joy and well-being, rather than punishment.
• Challenge limiting beliefs. The idea that we need to love our bodies all the time can feel overwhelming. It’s okay to have neutral or fluctuating feelings about body image. The goal is to develop a relationship with your body based on respect and care.

You Don’t Have to Love Your Body to Respect It

Developing a healthier relationship with your body isn’t about perfection—it’s about self-compassion. You don’t have to love your body every day, but you can care for it, listen to it, and treat it with kindness.

If you’re struggling with body image, eating concerns, or self-esteem, finding a psychotherapist that you connect with can offer a supportive space to explore these challenges. While healing is a personal journey, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

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Related Resources

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) in Canada, learn more.

📚 Related Reading: Check out my post on What is Body-Image, and How is it Connected to Body Positivity?

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Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. If you need support, please consult a licensed mental health professional.

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