Why obsession with the 'perfect body' is harmful

In a world dominated by visual culture, body image is more than just a personal concern—it's a global issue. From Bangladesh to the United States, the pressure to conform to an ideal body image is felt by millions, creating an epidemic of unhealthy diets, destructive mentalities, and distorted perceptions of health. 

These pressures have been amplified by the rise of social media, where influencers and viral fitness trends promote a singular vision of beauty: a slim, toned physique, an unattainable ideal. This ideal has become synonymous with health, but in reality, it distorts the true meaning of well-being.

Across the world, particularly in societies like Bangladesh, women face relentless pressure to conform to rigid beauty standards. These standards, often perpetuated by advertising and social media, promote the idea that only a certain body type is acceptable. In Bangladesh, as in many other places, this pressure is not merely cosmetic but deeply embedded in the fabric of society, affecting everything from career opportunities to marriage prospects. 

This culture of body shaming, which often marginalises those who don't fit the "ideal" body type, is harmful and has consequences far beyond aesthetics. It fosters unhealthy dieting habits, body dysmorphia, and sometimes even more severe conditions like eating disorders. In fact, millions of people, especially women, are caught in an endless cycle of dieting, obsessed with the idea of a "perfect" body that society has defined for them.

While it is important to recognise that maintaining a healthy weight can prevent diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems, the current culture of fitness and beauty has narrowed the definition of health. The obsession with achieving a certain size has become more important than nurturing overall health—both mental and physical. 

This is especially true in a world where social media influencers and fitness celebrities promote diet fads and extreme workout regimens, selling the illusion that a specific body type equals wellness. What often gets lost is the idea that true health is about balance, nourishment, and self-compassion, not about fitting into a mould that is far too narrow for most people.

The mental health consequences of this beauty obsession are profound. Research shows that more than 30 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder in their lifetime, and similar trends are emerging globally. Women, in particular, face intense scrutiny, and the fear of being judged by their appearance can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. 

In Bangladesh, this can manifest as pressure to conform to a specific body size for social and professional acceptance. As such, the fixation on body image is not only detrimental to one's physical health but also a significant threat to mental well-being.

However, there is hope. In recent years, a shift has begun in the way we approach health. People are starting to focus on holistic wellness, which includes not only physical fitness but also mental well-being. Rather than following extreme diets or intense exercise routines designed to fit a certain aesthetic, individuals are adopting mindful eating habits and embracing fitness routines that prioritise self-care. 

Mindful eating encourages individuals to listen to their bodies, eat in moderation, and choose foods that nourish rather than punish. By abandoning the restrictive diet culture, we can free ourselves from the endless cycle of calorie counting and food guilt, fostering a healthier, more sustainable relationship with food.

Similarly, fitness routines are evolving. Practices like yoga, Pilates, and strength training, which focus on mental clarity, balance, and physical strength, are becoming increasingly popular. These forms of exercise emphasise well-being, not body transformation. 

Exercise is being recognised for its ability to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote mental health, rather than merely as a way to lose weight or achieve a "perfect" physique. Activities like dancing, hiking, and swimming, which are fun and enjoyable, are also gaining popularity, moving away from rigid, high-intensity workouts that focus solely on aesthetics.

At the heart of this shift lies an essential truth: health is not defined by appearance but by how we feel—both mentally and physically. This is a message that needs to be reinforced across all platforms, from social media to traditional media. The responsibility lies not only with individuals but also with industries that shape public perceptions, such as advertising, fashion, and entertainment.

These industries must be held accountable for promoting unrealistic standards of beauty that marginalise people and perpetuate the culture of body shaming. It is time to embrace diversity in body shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, allowing for a more inclusive and holistic approach to health.

The mental health aspect cannot be overlooked. The constant bombardment of images portraying "perfect" bodies takes a toll on one's psyche, often leading to body image issues, eating disorders, and mental health struggles. In Bangladesh, mental health discussions around body image are often stigmatised, but as society becomes more aware, it's essential to integrate mental well-being into our conversations about health. Practising self-compassion, mindfulness, and body acceptance can help individuals reclaim their sense of worth beyond physical appearance.

This is a crucial time for us to redefine what health means. We must shift the conversation away from body size and shape and focus on fostering a culture of well-being that nurtures the mind and body. Health is about feeling strong, energised, and at peace with who we are, regardless of how we look. By prioritising overall well-being—through balanced eating, mindful fitness, and mental health care—we can begin to dismantle the harmful standards that society has imposed on us.

In the end, the true beauty of a healthy life lies not in how we conform to external ideals but in how we feel within ourselves. Let us embrace the diversity of bodies, celebrate our differences, and nurture our health from the inside out. 

True wellness is about feeling good—physically, mentally, and emotionally—not about achieving an ideal that doesn't reflect the richness of human life. We are beautiful in our diversity, and we are healthy when we nourish ourselves, body and mind, on our own terms.

Zaziratul Zannat is a Senior Program Support Officer at RSC Asia

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.