The column by Saara Särmä reflects on the emergence and evolution of body positivity discussions that took root in Finland about a decade ago. Pioneered by overweight individuals who identified as 'fat activists,' the movement emphasized acceptance of diverse body sizes, advocating that all people should be treated equally regardless of their physical appearance. Initially thriving within social media, the concept expanded into mainstream media and commercial wellness industries, but criticism arose suggesting the discourse had gone too far as it began to clash with societal norms around body image.

With the increasing visibility of body positivity, Särmä notes a troubling return to the glorification of thinness, as certain celebrities are now appearing even slimmer on the red carpet. This shift is evident in the way societal standards influence the body image perceptions, particularly among women and young people, where celebrities are not just embracing body positivity but are instead reinforcing traditional ideals of thinness. The resurgence of 'skinniness' is also apparent in social media trends, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where discussions around 'skinnytok' celebrate thin bodies over a more inclusive range of body types.

The piece ultimately argues for a more toned-down approach to body image – suggesting that it is unreasonable to expect individuals to love their bodies entirely, but it is essential to cultivate an attitude of neutrality towards one's appearance, advocating that simply not hating one's body is a significant and realistic step towards self-acceptance. In the wake of backlash against the body positivity movement, Särmä’s perspective invites readers to reflect on personal body image in the context of growing societal pressures.