Body positivity should acknowledge health risks while maintaining self-love and freedom to change
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/by/gabriella-lascano. "Opinion | Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer - The New York Times." February 16, 2026. www.nytimes.com
The Gist
The author argues that the body positivity movement has gone too far by refusing to acknowledge real health risks of obesity. She believes people should be able to love themselves while still wanting to lose weight for health reasons, without being attacked by the community.
Conclusion
True body positivity should allow people to love themselves at any size while acknowledging health risks and having the freedom to pursue weight loss without being labeled fatphobic
Premises
- Being obese significantly increases risks for serious health conditions including Type 2 diabetes (6x more likely), heart disease (28% greater risk), and 13 types of cancer
- The body positivity movement has become increasingly radical, attacking people for discussing weight loss or health concerns and labeling such discussions as 'fatphobic'
- Personal experiences of two body positivity influencers who died young (ages 28 and 37) from apparent weight-related health complications demonstrate real health consequences
- The author's own health and quality of life deteriorated significantly at nearly 400 pounds, limiting basic activities and mobility
- The current extreme version of body positivity creates fear and silence around legitimate health discussions, potentially putting people at risk
- It's possible to maintain self-love and body acceptance while simultaneously wanting to improve one's health through weight loss
Assumptions
- Health risks associated with obesity are scientifically established and not merely social constructs
- The deaths of the two influencers were significantly related to their weight rather than other factors
- Personal anecdotal experiences can be generalized to broader policy recommendations
- The body positivity movement's current form is more harmful than helpful
- Weight loss is generally achievable and beneficial for obese individuals