TikTok Influencers Are Changing the Narrative on Fitness and Body Positivity
Throughout my life, I’ve encountered the common belief that individuals with curvy bodies are judged for “eating too much” and “not exercising enough.” This societal misconception made me feel scrutinized when I gained weight recently, as if people assumed I had unhealthy habits, labeling me as a “bad” person. However, I’ve come to realize that weight gain is not a moral issue.
After joining a social justice-focused eating disorder organization in college, I learned about the misconceptions surrounding food, body size, and health. I understood that food does not possess moral value, individuals can be healthy at various sizes, and you cannot determine someone’s habits or health solely by their appearance. Factors such as genetics, medication, socio-economic status, and location play a role in an individual’s health and weight. Despite this knowledge, I still faced challenges as many people around me lacked this understanding.
My outlook changed when I came across TikTok influencers such as Ella Halikas and Laetitia De Carufel. These women, known for their body-positive content, share videos showcasing their regular exercise routines and fitness journeys while embracing their curvier bodies. Their posts serve to challenge stereotypes and educate viewers on the diversity of health and fitness.
A noteworthy mention is a video by Ella Halikas where she emphasizes that health and fitness are not one-size-fits-all concepts, highlighting her athletic background and dismissing assumptions based on appearance. Another video by Laetitia De Carufel addresses the misconception that a fit body must exhibit visible abs and low body fat percentage, emphasizing that health comes in different forms.
Seeing such representations has been empowering for me as a curvier individual who enjoys physical activities like dancing and playing volleyball. It reassures me that having a curvy body does not equate to being unfit. These TikToks also play a crucial role in dispelling myths about weight and health, potentially reducing judgment and bias surrounding body size.
One impactful quote from Ella Halikas reads, “The day I decided to be confident and live life to the fullest in the body I’m in, regardless of size, was the day my life changed forever.” This sentiment resonates with many individuals striving for self-acceptance and body positivity.
There is a positive shift happening in the realm of health and fitness, exemplified by individuals like registered dietitian Sammy Previte, who now advocates for Health at Every Size principles and rejects the notion of equating weight with health. Such initiatives contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic approach to well-being.
Despite facing criticism and negativity, influencers like Ella Halikas remain steadfast in promoting body confidence and self-love. Halikas encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and prioritize their well-being, irrespective of societal standards.
Overall, the message conveyed by these TikTok influencers emphasizes that fitness is not solely about weight loss and that individuals should feel empowered to pursue their health goals without conforming to narrow beauty standards. Their commitment to authenticity and resilience inspires many to embrace their bodies and lead fulfilling lives.
