Every now and then we come across incidents of people body shaming other people on social media. We all have experienced such situations in our day to day lives. From ‘oh, he’s so skinny, does he even eat?’ to all those so-called funny remarks about being plus-sized you pass on your not-so-health conscious friends. Some people can’t stand obese people, others aren’t okay with the bony structure. It’s hard to ponder over the fact that these days even fitness enthusiasts are forced to defend their healthy choices. 

For adopting a healthier lifestyle. For being muscular, ripped and powerful. For being body confident. 

One classic example of this hypocritical scenario is when ex-Roadie Bani J was shamed for having a muscular body. People who think building more muscles only suits a man need to clear the overall definition of femininity in their narrow minds. Being a woman is more than those soft curves and those makeup sticks. Muscular women also have curves, breasts and hips, but only more defined, more toned and there’s nothing mannish about that.

I have had a fair share of gym memberships to my credit and believe me, it takes a lot of will power to look your athletic best. Gym routines, strict diets and whatnot! I agree that everyone has their preferences when it comes to body image but calling someone else’s fitness regime gross just because they work out too much is not only rude and insensitive but is also highly unacceptable. People, who belong to this part of the spectrum are often subjected to mean comments.  

Yashmeen Chauhan Manak, Miss India 2016 (IBBFF)

Serena Williams, Tennis Player

These women are not trying to be men (and even if they were, it’s their personal choice). And all muscular men are certainly not douchebags. 

The question remains: why is everybody trying to over-complicate their lives by taking into account the fitness lifestyle choices of others? If you think their bare-abs photographs are there on the internet to demean people who are struggling with their unhealthy lifestyle, their healthy eating routine is way too uptight or their gym obsession seems like they are disrespecting people who like the way they are, then you probably need to get a grip. Just like plus-sized people aren’t encouraging others to be fat, the fit ones aren’t trying to make others feel uncomfortable either. It’s only a matter of choice.

Remember model Sarah Stage who made headlines for her small baby bump and six-pack while eight months pregnant? Despite her followers brutally criticising her ‘for not looking pregnant enough’, her unique physique did not do any damage to the unborn child. She was not only criticised for being ‘unhealthy’ but was also told to ‘feed the baby properly and not care about her looks’. She was also told that she would have a hard time making milk for the baby. After 9 months of endless criticism, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing almost 4 kg. 

Building muscle or being plus sized is absolutely one’s personal choice and should be encouraged. I agree with the fact that there is nothing called an ideal body type, however, if a person chooses to change his or her lifestyle, it’s perfectly fine. In the end, it’s all about body acceptance.