Say NO to Body Shaming: Why Constructive Criticism About Your Body Is Not “Constructive”

By Smita Bhatnagar | Fitness Writer | #staystrongwithsmita #fitat47

Body shaming has unfortunately become a normalized part of conversations in families, workplaces, social circles, and even online. But here’s the truth: body shaming is not feedback, not concern, and absolutely not constructive criticism. It is often a reflection of someone else’s insecurity, bias, or limited understanding of health and fitness.

In this article, let’s explore why you should never accept criticism from people who never supported your growth, how body shaming impacts mental and physical health, and what we can do as a society to encourage healthier conversations around fitness.

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What Is Body Shaming? Understanding the Toxic Cycle

Body shaming refers to criticizing, humiliating, or judging someone based on their body size, shape, weight, or appearance.
This may appear as:

• “You’ve gained so much weight recently.”
• “You should not wear that.”
• “Are you sick? You look too thin.”
• “I’m just saying this for your own good…”

People often disguise their comments as “concern,” but the effect is the same—shame, self-doubt, and emotional pain.

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Why You Shouldn’t Accept Constructive Criticism From Those Who Never Helped Build You

1. They Were Not Part of Your Journey

Constructive criticism holds value only when it comes from someone who has invested in your growth—physically, mentally, or emotionally.
If a person:

• Didn’t support your healthy habits
• Didn’t encourage you through your challenges
• Didn’t stand by you during your emotional or fitness struggles

Then they have no right to comment on your body or decisions.

2. True Support Comes With Empathy, Not Judgment

People who genuinely care offer:

• Guidance
• Kindness
• Practical help
• Encouragement

Body shamers offer none of these—they offer only opinions.

3. Body Shaming Reflects Their Insecurity, Not Your Reality

Most body-shaming comments stem from:

• Personal insecurity
• Social conditioning
• Unresolved biases
• Lack of understanding of fitness

Recognizing this helps you avoid internalizing negativity.

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How Body Shaming Affects Your Mind and Health

Body shaming is not harmless. Research shows that negative comments about the body can deeply affect a person’s emotional and physical well-being.

1. Low Self-Confidence

Constant criticism makes you feel unworthy, no matter how hard you try or what changes you make.

2. Damaged Mental Health

Body shaming is strongly linked to:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Disordered eating

3. Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices

People may adopt extreme diets, skip meals, over-exercise, or give up on fitness altogether.

4. Discouragement From Starting a Fitness Journey

When someone is shamed for their body, they often feel too scared or embarrassed to join a gym or seek help.

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What We Should Do Instead: Support, Not Shame

✔ Encourage Healthy Habits, Not Body Sizes

Talk about strength, energy, and consistency—not weight and measurements.

✔ Compliment Effort, Not Appearance

Acknowledge the discipline, not the dress size.

✔ Celebrate Small Wins

Even small steps like walking 10 minutes a day or drinking more water deserve appreciation.

✔ Speak Kindly—Everyone Is Fighting an Invisible Battle

Behind every body is a story. Choose compassion over judgment.

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Your Body Is Not a Public Opinion Poll

Your fitness, your choices, your progress—these are yours, not open for public debate.

• Your body is not a community project.
• Your journey is not anyone else’s business.
• Your worth is not defined by comments or comparisons.

Focus on building yourself, strengthening your habits, and protecting your mental peace. Let the noise fade away on its own.

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Final Words by Smita Bhatnagar

Work on yourself because you are worth the effort, the time, and the love you invest in your growth.
Stay committed to your journey, stay gentle with yourself, and stay strong despite the noise around you.

Cheers to strength, self-worth, and self-love!
#staystrongwithsmita #fitat47
FITTR Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences