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Gary Holtzman's avatar

I don't disagree with anything you say, but it is a complex issue because body positivity is a reaction to genuine cruelty and even, and I know this is an extraordinarily strong word but I think it's accurate, persecution experienced by many of our students based on weight. (This is true of boys as well as girls, incidentally. The number of boys with eating disorders and other body image related mental health issues is still fewer than among girls, but catching up quickly in both North America and Australia. )

As someone who struggles with both weight and body dysmorphia (and am currently celebrating having lost >20 pounds in 2021!), I can attest that it can be very difficult to achieve and maintain a damaging both physical and mental health in the process. Schools have a crucial responsibility sources of health education and as centers of bullying to get the balance right. I'm not sure any researchers or practitioners have found it yet.

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