The body positivity movement is a social movement that promotes a positive view of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, and physical abilities. It advocates for the acceptance and celebration of physical appearance and abilities, challenging beauty standards as dangerous societal constructs. Proponents emphasize the appreciation of the functionality and health of the human body, rather than fixating on physical appearance. The movement encourages self-love by embracing physical characteristics and fostering greater self-confidence.
The movement has evolved through three waves since the 1960s. The first wave, in the 1960s, emerged from the fat acceptance movement, addressing mental health issues related to beauty, weight loss, and the toxicity of media standards. The second wave, in the 1990s, focused on exercise inclusivity, aiming to create safe spaces for individuals of all body types to exercise comfortably. The third wave arose in the 2010s, largely as a response to social media culture, emphasizing body functionality, self-esteem, and self-love regardless of perceived flaws. It has gained visibility through hashtags like #bodypositive and #effyourbeautystandards. The Body Positive organization was founded in 1996 by Connie Sobczak and Elizabeth Scott.
