Creating a Body Safe Culture
Body safe is a term describing an environment where people of all body types feel psychologically and physically safe, respected, and affirmed. This includes being free from stigma, judgment, coercion, and violence based on weight, size, ability, gender, race, or perceived health.
In a world where our bodies are constantly scrutinized, judged, and commodified, cultivating a body safe culture is a powerful act of resistance and care.
But what does it actually mean to create a body safe culture? It involves individual and collective work: unlearning harmful norms and creating a world where all kinds of bodies are treated with dignity and respect.
Below are some ideas to help you begin (or deepen) that journey.
1. Explore Your Own Biases Around Bodies
All of us have absorbed cultural beliefs and assumptions about bodies. These beliefs shape how we speak and how we think about ourselves and others. They inform how we relate to food, movement, and even the concept of health.
Ask yourself:
What messages did I grow up with about my body?
How do I perceive bodies that look different from mine in size, race, ability, or gender? What thoughts or feelings come up?
What beliefs have I internalized about weight, shape, beauty and health?
Exploring these questions with honesty and compassion is an important step in unlearning harmful narratives.
2. Seek Out Anti-Oppressive, ED-Informed Sources
The mainstream wellness and health industries are often steeped in weight bias and misinformation. Look for sources created by fat activists, eating disorder professionals, and body liberation educators who offer nuanced, affirming, and evidence-informed perspectives.
Some examples:
Maintenance Phase podcast by Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes
Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings
The Body is Not An Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey Gordon
3. Challenge Media and Cultural Narratives
Be critical of how bodies are portrayed in media and advertising. Ask:
Who is being centred? Who is being erased?
What assumptions are being made about health, morality, or beauty?
Follow creators who genuinely offer representation of diverse bodies and actively challenge diet culture.
—> Curate a Body-Affirming Social Media Feed
Your social media should be a space of support and connection, not shame.
Block, mute, restrict or unfollow accounts that make you feel unworthy, anxious, or triggered.
Edit your settings to have more control over your feed (e.g., “Content preferences” on Instagram).
Follow people who affirm body diversity, pleasure, joy, and rest.
4. Learn About Health at Every Size
The Health at Every Size® framework challenges weight-based health assumptions and includes the following principles:
Respect for body diversity
Inclusive, compassionate healthcare
Eating for well-being
Joyful movement
Learning more about HAES (which can start here) can help you shift from a weight-focused model of health to one rooted in equity and respect.
5. Practice Neutral Language About Food and Bodies
Many of us unconsciously use moral language when talking about food and bodies:
“I was so bad, I ate dessert.”
“You look so skinny — good for you!”
Start practicing neutral, non-judgmental language:
Replace “bad” with “satisfying” or “enjoyable.”
Compliment someone’s energy or talents rather than their appearance.
6. Use Your Dollars with Intention
I know it can be really difficult in our current world to have financial security and uphold our personal values. But the way we spend our money is a huge tool for change. Whenever possible, support companies that:
Offer inclusive sizing
Feature diverse models
Uphold and support the values that matter to you.
At the same time, consider divesting from businesses that perpetuate exclusion or body shame.
7. Have Conversations That Disrupt Body-Based Oppression
Talk with people in your life about:
The harms of diet culture
Discrimination in healthcare and fashion
How language can uplift or harm
—> Set Boundaries Around Body Talk
You don’t owe anyone access to your body or your choices. If it’s safe to do so, set boundaries when someone comments on your appearance or eating:
“I’d rather not talk about bodies.”
“That comment doesn’t sit well with me.”
“Let’s focus on something else.”
8. Celebrate Your Body’s Wisdom and Experience
Bodies are not projects to fix or decorations to admire — they are vessels of experience, relationship, and life. Practice gratitude and curiosity toward your own embodiment. Ask:
What brings my body pleasure?
What narratives or systems get in the way of me fully experiencing that?
This includes confronting systems of oppression — racism, fatphobia, ableism, transphobia — that disconnect people from joy and safety in their bodies.
Toward a Body Safe Future
Creating a body safe culture is an ongoing commitment, one that is both challenging and rewarding. If you are looking for some support in this work, I encourage you to reach out. I offer workshops and presentations for groups, as well as one-on-one therapy.