Body Neutrality vs Body Positivity: What’s the difference?

For years, body positivity has been the loudest voice in the conversation about self-image. The movement encourages us to love our bodies at every size, every stage, every change. And while that message can be incredibly empowering, it can also feel… exhausting. What if you don’t feel like loving your body today? What if self-love feels too far out of reach?

This is where body neutrality comes in.

What is Body Neutrality?

Body neutrality is a shift in perspective. It’s the idea that your body is not the most important thing about you. Instead of focusing on loving your body, body neutrality encourages you to simply exist in it—without judgment. It means stepping away from the pressure of assigning your body a positive or negative value.

The focus is on what your body does for you, rather than how it looks.

Here’s the distinction:

✔️ Body Positivity says: “Love your body no matter what!”
✔️ Body Neutrality says: “You don’t have to love your body to respect it.”

Why Does This Shift Matter?

Body positivity, while empowering, can sometimes feel like another standard to live up to. On the days when you’re struggling with your self-image, the idea of “loving your body” might feel like an unreachable goal. Body neutrality removes that pressure by offering a more realistic alternative.

It allows for:

💡 Appreciation over aesthetics: Instead of focusing on appearance, body neutrality asks you to appreciate the function and capabilities of your body.

💡 Respect over relentless self-love: It doesn’t require you to feel overwhelmed with love for every part of yourself—it simply invites you to treat your body with respect.

💡 Function over form: Rather than obsessing over your shape or size, body neutrality encourages you to focus on how your body allows you to experience life, move, and grow.

Instead of asking yourself, “Do I love my body today?” try asking:

→ Can I appreciate what my body does for me?
→ Can I choose to be kind to my body, even if I don’t love it?

How Can You Practice Body Neutrality?

Shifting to a neutral mindset can feel challenging at first, especially if you’re used to constantly evaluating your body’s appearance. But here are a few ways you can start practicing body neutrality in your daily life:

🔹 Shift your focus: Instead of saying, “I hate my stomach,” try reframing with something like, “My stomach allows me to nourish myself.”

🔹 Engage in movement that feels good, not just for “results.” Focus on activities that make you feel strong, energized, or relaxed, rather than obsessing over how your body looks while doing them.

🔹 Dress for comfort and confidence, not societal approval. Wear what makes you feel good—not what you think you “should” wear to fit a certain standard.

🔹 Consume media that doesn’t obsess over bodies. Follow accounts and watch shows that celebrate people for who they are, not just what they look like.

🔹 Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to a friend. If you wouldn’t criticize a loved one for their appearance, why do it to yourself? Treat yourself with the same compassion you’d offer someone you care about.

Embracing Body Neutrality at Unfiltered

At Unfiltered, my goal is to capture you as you are—without expectation, without forced positivity, without performance. You don’t need to love every inch of yourself to deserve to be seen, celebrated, and photographed with reverence. Every body is worthy of space and attention, exactly as it is, in this moment.

What’s One Thing Your Body Does for You That You Can Appreciate Today?

Let’s make body neutrality a part of our everyday lives. Drop a comment and share one thing you can appreciate about your body today—no need for perfection, just honesty and appreciation.

By rethinking how we approach our bodies—not through the lens of constant love, but through respect and neutrality—we can create a healthier, more compassionate relationship with ourselves. What’s your first step toward embracing body neutrality?