Round and happy

• According to a study conducted by the Canadian mental health organization CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), approximately 70% of Canadian women are dissatisfied with their body appearance.

• Eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and eating disorder not otherwise specified, primarily affect women. About 1% to 3% of Canadian women suffer from anorexia, while 1.5% to 5% are affected by bulimia.

• The media plays a significant role in women's self-perception. According to a survey conducted by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters, 72% of Canadian teenage girls believe that the media has a negative impact on their perception of their bodies.

• Women often face social pressures and unrealistic beauty standards just like men. According to a survey conducted by Dove, 72% of Canadian women believe that society places enormous pressure on them to match a beauty ideal.

The media and the fashion industry have long promoted slim bodies as the beauty ideal. However, it's time to challenge those norms and recognize that there is more to beauty than just one size or shape. Attention, it is possible to be plump, beautiful and happy! Yes yes!

Feeling good about yourself is essential to being happy. Cultivating positive self-esteem as a plus-size woman first requires rejecting the shame and judgment that can come from restrictive body norms. By embracing her body and realizing that beauty isn't determined by the size of clothes, plus-size women can develop a confidence that radiates through all aspects of their lives.

Every woman is unique and has her own beauty. Body diversity is a richness to be celebrated, as it reflects the variety of shapes, sizes and curves that women can have. Curvy women can be beautiful and attractive, and their confidence can inspire others to embrace their individuality.

Do you associate beauty with physical appearance?