Body Image and Disability: My Body, My Voice
Together, with the lived experiences of women with disabilities and a stronger understanding of the changes needed in the health system, we can widen our body image spotlight to include all women.
As someone dedicated to the health and wellbeing of women, I’m excited to see the growing media attention and national recognition on how social pressures, media imagery, and the ‘thin ideal’ contribute to negative body image.
Research shows that poor body image harms mental health, limits social and economic participation, and can lead to chronic conditions. However, my excitement is overshadowed by the constant focus on able-bodied women, which continues to neglect the body image challenges faced by women with disabilities and chronic illness, leaving these women’s experiences in the dark.
To bring these voices out of the dark and into the long-overdue spotlight, Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) created the My Body, My Voice project. This project captures the lived experiences of women with disabilities, exploring the social and cultural factors that shape their relationship with body image and addressing the significant gap in the national conversation. It advocates for more inclusive policies and programs that meet the needs of all women.
Our research is essential for promoting health equity and ensuring that women with disabilities are no longer an afterthought when considering the devastating health risks associated with negative body image.
With the support of Butterfly Foundation and Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV), WHISE launched a statewide survey inviting women with disabilities to share their feelings toward their body image, the factors that influence it, and their experiences with healthcare professionals. We also examined the effects of popular health promotion strategies, such as body positivity, body gratitude, and body neutrality and their suitability for women with disabilities.
To gain deeper insights into the necessary changes within the health sector, we facilitated focus groups in the South-East Region. The survey and focus group findings were collated into the My Body, My Voice Report which concludes with recommendations for health and medical professionals, as well as strategies for primary prevention of body dissatisfaction in women with disabilities.
Lived experience insights
I was struck by the power of the collective voices of the women who shared their experiences. Many participants expressed frustration over being reduced to their disabilities and receiving unsolicited advice on weight loss or body appearance, which significantly impacted their body image and self-esteem.
“Everything is blamed on weight. I feel lethargic and in pain? Better lose weight. Issues with PCOS? Better lose weight. Can’t sleep properly? Better lose weight. Everything is pushed back onto it” – Participant
Additionally, the women noted that gendered and ableist social pressures intensified their body image struggles.
“There has always been an intense amount of pressure as a woman to act and behave a certain way… the pressures of life and society’s expectations seem completely out of reach for me.” – Participant
“The initial shock & suddenly relying on having to use a wheelchair… caused my weight to increase a lot, which unfortunately society ingrains into us so much it’s a bad thing.” –Participant
Participants noted the lack of inclusive body image programs and the financial and accessibility barriers to finding appropriate support.
“There are few options beyond programs focused on weight loss or eating disorders, and the financial and accessibility barriers make it difficult to find suitable support.” –Participant
There was an urgent demand from the women for a shift from a weight-centric focus in healthcare to one that prioritises mental health, self-acceptance, and overall well-being.
“I need support that helps me accept my body as it is, not constantly trying to change it or make it fit some ideal.” – Participant
The project highlights that positive body image is crucial for mental well-being. Women with disabilities face numerous barriers to achieving body and self-acceptance due to societal treatment, including the responses of family, peers, and health and medical professionals.
Recommendations for the healthcare system
The My Body, My Voice report concludes with recommendations for the healthcare system to reduce harm and improve health outcomes for women with disabilities and their body image.
These include adopting a patient-centered approach that respects individual experiences, providing specialised training for healthcare professionals on disability and body image, and increasing the representation of women with disabilities in healthcare roles. There is also a strong call for media and public health initiatives to authentically represent diverse body types and disabilities to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Together, with the lived experiences of women with disabilities and a stronger understanding of the changes needed in the health system, we can widen our body image spotlight to include all women.
Written by Natalie Opasinis, Women’s Health and Engagement Officer at Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE)
Read the full report: https://whise.org.au/my-body-my-voice/
Get support
If you need support for an eating disorder or body image concern connect with Butterfly’s National Helpline 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEDT).
Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), chat online or email
In an emergency, contact 000 or in a crisis call Lifeline on 13 11 14.