In a wellness context, healthism manifests as the belief that individuals are solely responsible for their health and that health is a moral virtue. This creates a paradox for Body Positivity:
Client: “Maya,” a 34-year-old woman with a history of chronic dieting, binge eating, and shame around exercise. Traditional wellness approach: Personal trainer prescribed calorie deficit and 5x/week HIIT. Maya lost 10 lbs in 2 months, then gained back 15, leading to increased shame. BRW approach (6 months): Maya worked with a HAES-aligned health coach. She explored joyful movement (found she loves swimming and leisurely bike rides). She practiced attuned eating—initially struggling with fear of carbs, later learning that balanced meals reduce her afternoon fatigue. She requested her physician stop commenting on her BMI. After 6 months, Maya’s weight was unchanged, but her anxiety scores dropped 40%, her binge episodes reduced from weekly to twice monthly, and she reported feeling “at home” in her body for the first time.
When you adopt a wellness lifestyle fueled by body positivity, the benefits extend beyond your own life. You become a part of a cultural shift that values human diversity and holistic health. You show others—especially younger generations—that being healthy doesn't have a specific look.
When motivated by self-care rather than shame, individuals are more likely to sustain healthy habits like balanced eating and regular movement.
