Body Positivity, Health, and Honesty: Where Do We Draw the Line?

Garige Goutham Kumar
Oct 30
4 min read

"Slim woman in modest clothing looking worried at her reflection, thinking she looks fat, illustrating body image struggle and distorted self-perception." — “The mirror reflects her body, but all she sees is the weight of her doubts. She whispers, ‘I look fat,’ even when it isn’t true.”

In today’s world, we often hear about body dysmorphia in the fashion industry — models surviving on hot water, vitamin pills, and extreme calorie-deficit diets. Celebrities undergo cosmetic procedures, rhinoplasty, and other surgical enhancements to match an “ideal” standard of beauty. On the other end of the spectrum, there are people who are morbidly obese, struggling with health issues but proudly calling it body positivity, while indulging in binge eating, smoking, drinking, and living a sedentary lifestyle that silently cuts short their lifespan.

This has created a kind of bipolar stance in our society — one group obsessed with perfection and another normalizing unhealthy habits under the label of self-acceptance. My aim through this blog is to trigger a conversation — where do we draw the line between self-love and self-neglect?

Freedom and Responsibility

You are an adult. You have bodily autonomy and the right to live as you wish — as long as your actions don’t harm others or negatively influence the society around you. That’s the ethical and democratic standard we live by.

But when public figures use their influence irresponsibly — when a celebrity glamorizes alcohol abuse, reckless driving, or drug use, it sets dangerous examples. A famous actress posting “3 a.m. and still partying hard — this is life!” may look glamorous, but when her fans — especially young, impressionable ones — try to imitate her, it leads to real harm.

We often forget that negative behavior attracts attention faster than the positive. In movies, anti-heroes are glorified. On social media, dangerous stunts and unhealthy habits are celebrated, while genuine growth and discipline are ignored.

The Hidden Consequences of Normalizing Recklessness

Today, people casually brag about visiting prostitutes, binge drinking, or “crossing 100+ body counts” as if it’s a badge of honor. Others take pride in their unhealthy routines — binge eating, staying in bed for days, ordering junk food, and calling it “self-care.”

If someone gently advises them to improve, they label that person a “troll” or “critic. ”This is where we, as a society, have started normalizing recklessness in the name of body positivity and personal choice.

Freedom Isn’t the Same as Self-Destruction

I am not against celebration, indulgence, or fun. Having a drink occasionally, celebrating milestones — it’s all fine, as long as it’s done with restraint and balance.

But what if someone can’t live without alcohol? What if they’re a dependent alcoholic — affecting their health, marriage, and family? What if their actions endanger others?

As a psychologist and relationship counselor, I feel it’s my moral responsibility to speak up, to hold a mirror with compassion. If we choose silence, aren’t we doing disservice to our profession and humanity?

Why We Fear Criticism

As a society, we are becoming increasingly sensitive — fragile even — to criticism. We are touchy about negative feedback. But remember — not every critic is a hater. Some people give harsh feedback because they genuinely care and want to see us grow.

Avoiding criticism doesn’t protect us — it traps us. People who reject feedback often remain stuck, unable to evolve with the changing world.

A Lesson from History

There was a time when the word “nigger” was used to humiliate Black people. But the Black community disempowered that insult by owning it through music, comedy, and success. They turned pain into power.

That is the same attitude we need — not denial of weakness, but working through it to reclaim strength.

Body Image and Self-Work

I often see women post-pregnancy worrying about their looks, or teenage girls comparing themselves to airbrushed celebrities. Men face similar comparisons — mocked for being “too short,” “too fat,” or “too skinny.”

If something bothers you, work on it. You can’t change your height, but you can develop your mind, confidence, and personality. Every situation can be improved as long as you are alive and willing.

Empathy and Communication

Even the truth can be delivered kindly. You don’t have to call someone “ugly” or “fat” to motivate them. Say instead: “You are beautiful as you are, but with some effort, you could become your best version.”

Just like a diamond, we all need polishing to reveal our true brilliance. Empathy doesn’t mean avoiding the truth — it means presenting it with compassion.

A True Story: When Silence Hurts

Imagine meeting an old friend after 10 years — you notice he looks unhealthy, struggling to breathe or move. You hesitate to say anything. A month later, you hear he passed away from a heart attack. That guilt of silence stays forever.

Sometimes, honest words can save lives.

When Fitness Becomes Obsession

We also see the other extreme — people dying in gyms, starving on crash diets, or abusing steroids in pursuit of perfection. Recently, a 19-year-old girl from Kerala died after surviving on a hot-water-only diet to lose weight (source).

In another case, influencers like Dr. Mike Israetel, despite being experts in sports and bodybuilding, openly struggle with body dysmorphia — constantly pushing their limits through surgeries and extreme regimens.

These trends are alarming. Health shouldn’t come at the cost of life itself.

psychologist goutham fitness journey

My Personal Journey

When I decided to hit the gym seriously, I was already 38.People questioned — “Why now?” But I stayed committed. I lost 12 kgs,

psychologist goutham transformation

dropped to 8% body fat, and then settled back at a healthy 10–15% range.

Because of my work — online counseling and therapy sessions — I realized that starving or overtraining made me irritable and unfocused. So I learned to balance. I workout for an hour a day, meditate in the evenings, and maintain a clean lifestyle — no smoking, no alcohol, no substance use.

This transformation helped me lead by example — I live what I preach.