In a world full of airbrushing, eating disorders, and weight loss programs, many teenage girls are encouraged to accept their bodies—regardless of size or health. Magazines campaign for “Body Peace” and blogs proclaim that the most important aspect of health is to accept your body. However, negative self images are not the only thing growing; obesity plagues America. Are we encouraging acceptance of an unhealthy condition? (Need proof that obesity does more harm than good? Click here.) While doctors persuade their patients to lose weight, many media sources persuade these same patients that their present condition is more than acceptable. Let me be clear: I do not believe that overweight people cannot be beautiful (Adele, anyone?), nor do I endorse personal criticism. However, when I read these articles or blogs, I worry that their authors may be sending the wrong message. While inner contentment with oneself may alleviate mental problems, it does not remove the possible health consequences of obesity. I believe that sources that wish to help their readers achieve self confidence should also explain that a positive body image can exist in obesity, but that they do not encourage their readers to accept obesity.
Image from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/trends.HTML
