Sonam Kapoor opens up about PCOS and body shaming: Is body positivity or body neutrality the key to coping?

In a conversation with Barkha Dutt at We The Women, Kapoor said she found her inspiration in Kajol. “At that time, I remember Kajol had a unibrow. She never did her eyebrows. I remember my mom showing me Kajol’s picture and saying, ‘Look at her! She is the biggest heroine right now.’ I remember seeing that and feeling motivated.”

Kapoor also shed light on the pressures women face to meet societal beauty standards, even when dealing with natural bodily changes. In such situations, body positivity and body neutrality have emerged as two popular approaches to address insecurities.

Both approaches have their merits, but which one is better for coping with societal expectations and fostering mental well-being during challenging moments?

It’s important to recognise that societal beauty standards are just outside noise — society often judges and ridicules anything that deviates from its narrow norms (Source: Freepik)

Differences between body positivity and body neutrality. Which is better?

Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist and existential therapist at That Culture Thing, told indianexpress.com, “Body positivity and body neutrality offer different ways to think about our bodies. Body positivity emphasises loving your body and rejecting societal beauty standards, while body neutrality shifts the focus to respecting your body for its function rather than its appearance.”

“For those dealing with physical changes, like facial hair in women, both approaches can be helpful but societal biases often make self-acceptance challenging,” Baruah said. According to her, it’s natural to feel upset in such situations, and body neutrality can help by reminding you that your body doesn’t define your worth.

Similarly, body positivity can rebuild confidence with affirmations, but only when you’re ready; forcing positivity can feel dismissive. Ultimately, both approaches encourage self-compassion and patience, helping you gradually accept yourself without letting societal judgments define you, mentions Baruah.

Addressing unwanted physical changes and maintaining mental well-being

“For those dealing with unwanted physical changes like excessive facial hair due to hormonal imbalances, the first and most important step is seeking medical treatment. A doctor can provide the right guidance, recommend treatments, and suggest lifestyle adjustments to manage the condition effectively. Medical expertise is key to addressing the physical aspect,” Baruah said.

For mental well-being, acceptance is crucial in Baruah’s opinion. “It’s important to recognise that societal beauty standards are just outside noise — society often judges and ridicules anything that deviates from its narrow norms, but this has nothing to do with your worth as a person. Remind yourself that you are more than your appearance, and focus on nurturing your self-esteem and inner confidence,” she said.

Surround yourself with supportive environments and people who see your value beyond physical traits. “Engage in self-care practices that help you feel good, and remind yourself that this journey is about managing a condition, not about fitting into society’s unrealistic ideals. Accept yourself for who you are, and don’t let external judgments define your mental well-being,” Baruah said.