Body positivity is a big movement these days, and that is a fantastic thing. Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves and their bodies. No one should be told they can’t wear crop tops, or that they need to “eat a burger or something.” I feel that self-love has finally turned the tables on the media and society’s standards for women. That is amazing for women and men everywhere. I think that loving yourself is one of the most important things in the world and one of the only things that can make a person truly happy. However, part of loving yourself is looking past the body positivity movement.

I believe that the body positivity movement often overlooks the health of people. Just because you love your body and encourage others to love theirs doesn’t mean you’re healthy. Of course, bodies come in all shapes and sizes on the outside, and in the same vein, all bodies are different internally, as well. I’m all for loving your body, but isn’t part of loving your body also being a healthy weight, eating properly and getting regular exercise? Of course, a “healthy body” has no distinct shape or size. However, the movement often makes it seem that if you love yourself, you won’t experience sickness or health issues.

For example, I’ve never had a problem with the way my body looks. I’ve always been a healthy weight for my height, and I've never experienced too many health problems aside from the occasional flu or cold. However, there was a long time I couldn’t run a mile without wheezing. I can now, but I still eat poorly when I’m stressed, I don’t get enough sleep and I definitely don’t drink a lot of water. I still love my body and I’m very confident in the way I look, but that doesn’t mean I’m taking care of it properly.

There are easy ways to start taking care of your body, and loving it, physically and mentally. Making sure to go to the doctor regularly is great start. Another option is seeing a nutritionist to make sure that any allergies or food sensitivities have been addressed. Another great way to keep the body and mind healthy is to do things you enjoy. Even if you don't like exercise, or believe it isn't necessary, you have every obligation to yourself to make an effort.

The body positivity movement is amazing, but it has to be taken with a grain of salt. People need to understand that loving yourself can’t detract from taking care of yourself, because they are one in the same.