The Rise of #BodyNeutrality: Why It’s Okay to Just Be

For years, we’ve been told to love every inch of ourselves—but what if we just… existed? Body neutrality is stepping in as the antidote to toxic positivity, giving us permission to focus on what our bodies do rather than how they look. Here’s why this movement is gaining momentum—and why it’s okay to just be.

By Dandy / Feb 17 2025

Save to Favourites

We’ve all heard of body positivity — the cheerleader movement telling us to love every last inch of ourselves, from head to toe. But lately, there’s been a new buzzword doing the rounds: body neutrality. It’s gaining steam in the wellness world, and honestly? It’s the kind of no-fuss, no-pressure vibe we’ve been waiting for.

If you’re scratching your head thinking, What on earth is body neutrality?, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down and chat about why it’s the refreshing attitude we all need right now.

So, What is Body Neutrality?

Body neutrality is like the laid-back cousin of body positivity. It’s not shouting from the rooftops about loving your body every single day — instead, it’s about accepting it for what it is, without fanfare.

The idea? Your worth isn’t tied to how your body looks. You don’t have to adore your wobbly bits, celebrate your cellulite, or have daily affirmations about your thighs. Body neutrality just wants you to acknowledge your body and crack on with your day.

It’s about focusing less on what you see in the mirror and more on what your body does for you. Think: walking, breathing, hugging, dancing badly in your kitchen at 11pm. It’s not about loving or hating your body — it’s about getting on with life without overthinking it.

Why is Body Neutrality Taking

Over?

Social media, innit? Our feeds are flooded with photos of chiselled abs, glowing skin, and people who somehow look flawless eating spaghetti. Add to that the endless chatter about summer bodies and #fitspo, and it’s no wonder we’re knackered.

Body positivity, while lovely in theory, can feel like a full-time job. Trying to love every single inch of yourself every single day? Exhausting. Enter body neutrality: the no-pressure alternative.

Instead of forcing love and rainbows on those days when you’re feeling less-than-fabulous, body neutrality just lets you be. It’s about peace, not perfection — which, let’s be honest, feels like a massive exhale in a world obsessed with aesthetics.

Title

SHOP

beauty

BUTTER BRICK Solid Face and Body Cleanser

£14.00

RUB Solid Balm

£32.00

SOAK Bath Salts

£38.00

SMOOTH Body Oil

£44.00

Iron

£16.00

Skin Hydrator

£36.00

Skin Filter

£38.00

Multi Vitamin Women

£28.00

Defense Drops

£25.00

Sleep Drops

£20.00

Vitamin C

£16.00

True Hydration Sachets

£24.00

Wild Collagen

£29.00

True Collagen

£29.00

Tremella

£49.99

Title

Why It’s a Game-Changer

Here’s why body neutrality is the wellness trend we didn’t know we needed:

No Pressure to Love Every Bit: Some days, you might feel like Beyoncé. Other days, like a duvet burrito. Both are fine. Body neutrality gives you permission to exist without constant self-love pep talks.

Focus on Function: Instead of worrying about whether your tummy is flat, you start noticing all the cool stuff your body does. Your heart keeps you alive, your legs get you places, and your arms let you carry way too many shopping bags in one go.

Better for Your Brain: The constant effort of trying to love your body can be draining. Neutrality takes the weight off (pun fully intended).

Cuts the Comparison: When you stop seeing your body as something to fix or flaunt, you stop comparing it to everyone else’s. Freedom!

Wait, How’s It Different from Body Positivity?

Body positivity tells you to love your body, no matter what. And while that’s a beautiful sentiment, it’s not always realistic. Body neutrality, on the other hand, takes a more relaxed approach. It says, “You don’t have to love yourself right now. Just accept yourself as you are.”

It’s not anti-body positivity — it’s more like a sibling who doesn’t try so hard. Neutrality gets that there’ll be days when you don’t feel great about your body, and that’s okay. You don’t need to do cartwheels celebrating your stretch marks every single morning. Some days, you’re allowed to just shrug and say, “It is what it is.”

FIND A

Pro / Wellness Space

NEAR YOU

DANDY DIRECTORY

TRENDING STORIES

Does the ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ Have a Dirty Side?

Beauty

Feb 03, 2025

Does the ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ Have a Dirty Side?

High-Powered Women & the Babygirl Fantasy

Culture

Jan 21, 2025

High-Powered Women & the Babygirl Fantasy

Nutrition

Jan 18, 2025

Why Carbs Aren’t the Enemy

Travel

Nov 20, 2024

Dandy Destinations: Manchester

How to Practise Body Neutrality

If body neutrality sounds like your cup of tea, here are some simple ways to embrace it:

Stop Fixating on Looks: Instead of staring at your reflection and picking apart your flaws (we all do it), shift your focus to what your body can do. Maybe it’s dancing to your favourite cheesy pop song or surviving an intense Pilates class. Celebrate that instead.

Ditch the Scales: If you’re a serial weigh-in person, consider giving the scales the boot. Your value isn’t defined by a number. You’re so much more than that.

Reframe Your Inner Critic: When you catch yourself thinking, I hate my arms today, try flipping it to something neutral like, My arms are here, and they’re doing their job.

Clean Up Your Social Feeds: If your Instagram is full of #fitspo influencers who make you feel rubbish, it’s time for a spring clean. Follow people who make you feel good, not inadequate.

The Dandy Verdict: It’s About Time

Body neutrality feels like the breath of fresh air we’ve all been waiting for. It’s the antidote to a world where we’re constantly told to change, improve, or perform.

Here’s the truth: it’s okay not to love your body every second of the day. Some days, you’ll look in the mirror and think, “Not bad!” Other days, you’ll pull on your comfiest joggers and not think about your body at all. And that’s the beauty of body neutrality — it lets you just be.

Your body doesn’t need to be a work of art or a motivational poster. It’s your home, your vehicle for living, and it’s enough as it is. So, take a deep breath, let go of the pressure, and embrace the relief that comes with body neutrality.

Now, who’s up for dancing in the kitchen?