(Riya Singh, Intern Journalist): While technology has been blamed for the bulk of instances of negative body image and even body dysmorphia, it is also responsible for initiating a conversation on body positivity. People are learning to enjoy their own bodies in this day and age, and all the natural curves and quirks which come with it.
Recent research found a link with body positivity, gastric interception, which refers to the processing of sensory stimuli occurring in the intestine, otherwise known as ‘gut feeling.’ The study performed experiments on around 191 people in both the United Kingdom and Malaysia, in order to include various national cultural communities and to increase reliability.
To ascertain body positivity, the subjects had to complete a two-stage water load task, involving fasting and then consuming water. The amount of water consumed was measured as per the capacity of the stomach, as well as the feelings and experiences related to the task. The latter included answering questionnaires that examined different aspects of body image such as appreciation of the body and its functionality.
The research indicates that people who are more in tune with the internal workings of their bodies usually have a greater appreciation of their bodies. This showed that a greater change in feeling in the gut upon drinking the water led to a significantly greater sense of the physiological reactions of the body, and a greater appreciation for the body itself, in both the countries.
Individuals who are less in tune with internal stimulation, such as feeling full, may be more at risk of developing negative body perception due to over-reliance on external, appearance-related features such as size and shape. It’s important to improve self-confidence by inspiring people to become more mindful of internal sensations.
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