With social media being a huge part of our lives, it’s easy for thoughts of comparison and unrealistic expectations to creep in. During my teenage years, I personally experienced the full force of my body insecurities and struggles with body image. I found myself contemplating drastic appearance changes through ‘extreme’ methods such as fad diets and excessive exercise.
While these “extreme” methods can produce quick results, they can do more harm than good, potentially taking a significant toll on one’s mental health. For Lemon8 user @steffffilim, she shares her own story of how she dealt with her past struggles with body image.
Steffi had been struggling with her body image for five years, and it was only recently that she discovered she had body dysmorphia. Despite having a healthy BMI and weight, she would nitpick certain areas of her body that she perceived as “flaws.”
Reflecting on her past struggles, she revealed that she used to have an abundance of negative thoughts, which now seem “honestly insane” to her. “I just sort of gaslighted myself into thinking that I had to get rid of all these flaws by losing weight,” she explained.
She would often choose oversized clothes to cover herself up. Although there were days when she felt more comfortable and confident, she would eventually change into baggy clothes afterward, fearing that people would notice the “flaws” she saw in herself.
When discussions about body sizes and images arose, Steffi shared that some of her friends would be confused about why these topics struck a nerve with her. In reality, her fear of her friends perceiving her as “big-sized” remained at the back of her mind.
Over time, she began to slowly accept and love her body for what it is. She highlighted that it is normal for girls to have stomach rolls and flabby arms.
Steffi’s journey was exceptionally difficult, but having overcome the challenges she faced previously, she now shares her takeaways with those who might be in a similar situation.
While we might obsess over our own appearance, you’ll be surprised to find that most people around us don’t care as much. But even if they do judge you, it has everything to do with them and not you.
“If someone is judging you based on the size of your arm or any other perceived flaw, it’s their problem — not yours,” Steffi shared on Lemon8. She also suggested that recognising your body’s quirks is an additional step towards fully embracing and cultivating deeper love for it.
Once you start feeling more comfortable in your own skin, you’ll slowly begin to feel more confident and care less about what others think.
As Steffi aimed to lose weight rapidly, she resorted to restricting herself to consuming only salads for meals or even skipping them altogether. There were instances when she consumed just a single slice of bread or a small carton of milk. However, this rigorous “diet” took a toll on her body, leaving her constantly hungry and fatigued.
Apart from attempting to adhere to a stringent diet, she began to exercise regularly, as she believed that neglecting to do so would lead to weight gain.
“If I felt that I hadn’t pushed myself hard enough during my run, I would return home and continue with an additional hour of exercise,” she explained. Consequently, she didn’t allow herself enough time for proper recovery, as she engaged in exercise almost daily.
She emphasised that “your body is not a machine,” highlighting the significance of rest and not depriving your body of its essential needs.
Steffi recounted how she used to have a bad habit of constantly checking her weight after she exercised. However, what is displayed on the scale is not an accurate representation of your body composition.
She clarified that muscles are heavier than fat, and when you exercise, you tend to build muscle, which explains the weight gain. She assured her followers that “this is a healthy weight gain and it’s not a bad sign at all!”
While Steffi’s journey wasn’t easy, she hopes to provide solace to others who find themselves in the same situation. “Learning to be comfortable with your body isn’t a linear process; there will be ups and downs, but eventually, you’ll reach that point,” she shared.
Aspiring for the “perfect body” isn’t everything, and it’s not your responsibility to conform to society’s standards of beauty. Hopefully, her story and insights will empower you to break free from such negative thoughts. Remember that your feelings are valid, and you’re beautiful just the way you are.
Cover images: Source, ZULA.
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