This article is sponsored by Slynd^® (drospirenone)

For those of us who grew up in the 90s with 100-calorie packs and Victoria’s Secret runway shows, body positivity can be a tough concept to grasp. Sure, we want to love ourselves – imperfections and all – but it can be hard to unlearn diet culture when you’ve been told your whole life that “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” 

Thankfully, in recent years, there has been a strong movement towards body positivity online with hashtags like #allbodiesaregoodbodies and #dietculturedropout trending on social media, and we have to say, we’re here for it. It’s due time that society moves away from harmful beauty ideals and moves toward self-love and acceptance for all. 

But how can you learn to love your body in a world where the media still promotes unrealistic beauty standards? In this article, we’ll explore simple, hassle-free tips to help you recognize that all bodies are worthy of respect, regardless of their size, shape, color, or ability – yours included! 

What is body positivity, anyway? 

Body positivity isn’t just about appearance; it’s a holistic approach to self-acceptance that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s about recognizing that your worth isn’t determined by your weight, dress size, or how closely you conform to society’s beauty standards. Instead, it’s about appreciating your body for all it does for you, from carrying you through your day to allowing you to experience the world around you. 

One of the most powerful aspects of the body positivity movement is its inclusivity. It celebrates diversity in all forms, including size, ethnicity, gender identity, and ability. This is particularly important for individuals with higher BMIs, who often face discrimination and stigma in various aspects of their lives, including healthcare settings. 

Body positivity 

Body Mass Index (BMI), a widely used measure that calculates a person’s weight in relation to their height, is often used to assess whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. And for individuals with higher BMIs, the journey to body acceptance can be particularly challenging. 

Despite how far we’ve come, society still often equates thinness with health and beauty, leading to harmful stereotypes and discrimination against those in larger bodies. Part of embracing body positivity is remembering that “healthy” comes in many sizes, and BMI alone is not a comprehensive indicator of overall well-being. 

Remember: your worth is not determined by the number on the scale. It’s about focusing on health-promoting behaviors rather than weight loss, and finding joy in movement and nourishment rather than punishment or restriction. 

No matter where you are on the body positivity spectrum, there are simple steps you can take to give yourself grace when it comes to your outward appearance. 

Simple steps to love your body 

1. Practice positive self-talk: Pay attention to how you speak to yourself about your body. Replace negative thoughts with affirming ones. Instead of criticizing your appearance, focus on what your body allows you to do. 

2. Surround yourself with positivity: Follow body-positive social media accounts, read empowering books, and spend time with people who uplift and support you.

3. Focus on how you feel, not how you look: Engage in activities that make you feel good in your body, whether it’s dancing, yoga, or simply taking a relaxing bath. 

4. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident: Don’t wait to lose weight to wear clothes you love. Dress your body as it is now, in ways that make you feel good. 

5. Practice gratitude, for your body:  Regularly acknowledge the amazing things your body does for you, from healing wounds to allowing you to hug loved ones. 

Health and body positivity

In addition to making small-but-powerful changes at home, finding healthcare providers who practice weight-neutral care can be crucial. These professionals focus on health-promoting behaviors, recognizing that health improvements can occur independently of changes in body size. 

For example, for women with higher BMIs, finding the right contraceptive option can sometimes be challenging, as some methods may be less effective or have increased risks for individuals with higher body weights.  

In a study for Slynd^® (drospirenone), an estrogen-free birth control pill, the average BMI of the participants was 28.5 kg/m2. Out of the total study population, 35% of the women had a BMI of 30 or greater and 18% had a BMI of 35 or higher. This study was not designed to look at differences in rates of pregnancy prevention for different body types. As a result, the study was too small to determine if there are differences in efficacy for BMI subgroups. 

Slynd^® also offers a 24/4 dosing regimen, meaning you take 24 active pills followed by 4 inactive pills. As with any medication, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your healthcare provider to determine if Slynd^® is the right choice for you.^

*If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember and continue your regular schedule. If you miss two or more pills, use non-hormonal backup birth control (e.g. condoms) for 7 days after missing your pills. Missing pills may cause spotting or light bleeding. 

^Do not take Slynd^® if you have kidney disease or kidney failure, have reduced adrenal gland function, have or have had cervical cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones, have liver disease, including liver tumors, or have unexplained vaginal bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of these conditions. Your doctor can suggest a different method of birth control. 

Please see additional Important Risk Information below. 

Embracing your journey to self-love 

Learning to love your body is an incredibly personal journey, and it’s okay if it takes time. Keep in mind that body positivity isn’t about forcing yourself to love every aspect of your body all the time. It’s about treating your body with respect, kindness, and appreciation, even on days when you might not feel your best. 

As you embark on the road to body positivity, be patient with yourself. Celebrate small victories, surround yourself with supportive people, and remind yourself that you are worthy of love and respect, regardless of your size or shape. By embracing self-acceptance and making choices that support your overall well-being, you’re not just loving your body – you’re cultivating a more empowered relationship with yourself as a whole, and setting an amazing example for future generations. 

Learn more about birth control considerations here. 

Slynd does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What is SLYND?

SLYND is a birth control pill (oral contraceptive) that is used by females who can become pregnant to prevent pregnancy.

Slynd^® Important Risk Information

The progestin drospirenone may increase potassium levels in your blood. You should not take SLYND if you have kidney, liver or adrenal disease because this could cause serious heart problems as well as other health problems. Other medicines may also increase potassium levels in your blood. If you are currently on daily, long-term treatment for a chronic health condition with any of the medicines listed below, talk to your healthcare provider about whether SLYND is right for you. If you take any of the medicines listed below for a chronic health condition you should have a blood test to check the potassium level in your blood before you start taking SLYND and during the first month that you take SLYND.

• medicines to treat fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or voriconazole
• medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection or Hepatitis C infection, such as indinavir or boceprevir
• clarithromycin

Do not take SLYND if you:

• have kidney disease or kidney failure.
• have reduced adrenal gland function.
• have or have had cervical cancer or any cancer that is sensitive to female hormones.
• have liver disease, including liver tumors.
• have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Tell your healthcare providers if you have or have had any of these conditions. Your healthcare provider can suggest a different method of birth control.

If any of these conditions happen while you are taking SLYND, stop taking SLYND right away and talk to your healthcare provider. Use non-hormonal contraception when you stop taking SLYND.

Before you take SLYND, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
• have ever had blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis), lungs (pulmonary embolism), or a stroke or heart attack (myocardial infarction).
• have or have had depression.

Tell your healthcare providers about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wort. SLYND may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how well SLYND works.

What are the possible serious side effects of SLYND?

SLYND may cause serious side effects, including:

• High potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia). Certain medicines and conditions can also increase the potassium levels in your blood. Your healthcare provider may check the potassium levels in your blood before and during treatment with SLYND. Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital emergency room right away if you have signs or symptoms of high potassium levels in your blood including:
  • weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
  • palpitations (feel like your heart is racing or fluttering) or irregular heartbeat.
  • nausea.
  • vomiting.
  • severe pain in your chest.
  • shortness of breath.
• Blood clot forming in blood vessels. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a blood clot. Tell your healthcare provider if you plan to have surgery or are not able to be active due to illness or injury. Call your healthcare provider or go to a hospital or emergency room right away if you have:
  • leg pain that will not go away.
  • a sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches.
  • sudden, severe shortness of breath.
  • sudden change in vision or blindness.
  • chest pain.
  • weakness or numbness in your arm or leg.
  • trouble speaking.
• Bone loss.
• Cervical Cancer.
• Liver problems, including liver tumors.
• Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in your tubes). This is a medical emergency that often requires surgery. If you have severe abdominal pain, call your healthcare provider or go  to a hospital emergency room right away.
• Risk of high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
• Changes in menstrual bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have changes in menstrual bleeding.
• Depression, especially if you have had depression in the past.

What are the most common side effects of SLYND?

• acne
• headache
• breast pain and tenderness
• weight gain
• menstrual cramps
• nausea
• severe vaginal bleeding
• less sexual desire

These are not all the possible side effects of SLYND.

Please read the full Prescribing Information including Patient Information here.

Reference: 1. Slynd package insert.

SLY-24-721 R00

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