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Neuroscience of Body Neutrality
Is loving your body the goal, or is that expectation part of the problem? What if peace, not passion, is the real rebellion?
In this episode of Rewired Woman Podcast, Kat and Mads get real about body neutrality, sharing personal experiences with body shaming, body image struggles, and the unlearning required to exist comfortably in a body that’s constantly being commented on.
We talk about how body neutrality differs from body positivity, why “just love your body” can feel impossible (and even harmful), and how cultural conditioning, trauma, and the male gaze shape the way we see ourselves. From childhood comments to adult relationships, we unpack how body narratives get wired into our nervous systems, and how to rewire them.
Along the way, you’ll hear vulnerable stories about shame, comparison, and how adolescent experiences shape internal narratives, plus grounded, compassionate practices for building a more neutral, respectful relationship with your body, without forcing gratitude or confidence you don’t actually feel yet.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
The difference between body positivity, body neutrality, and body acceptance
Personal experiences with body shaming (from family, partners, and society)
How early comments about appearance shape lifelong body image
Why “loving your body” can feel inaccessible during stress, trauma, or burnout
The nervous system’s role in body image and self-perception
How body neutrality can create more freedom around food, movement, and clothing
Practical ways to relate to your body with respect instead of judgment
These science girlies have come to a gentle conclusion:
You don’t owe your body love, confidence, or aesthetics. You owe it care, safety, and neutrality.
Body neutrality isn’t about giving up, it’s about opting out of the constant mental negotiation around your worth. And that shift can create space for more presence, peace, and self-trust.
💬 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you listen, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little less body pressure and a little more compassion.
Follow us on Instagram @rewiredwomanpod for behind-the-scenes moments, journaling prompts, and science-meets-soul conversations that help you rewire how you relate to yourself.
Don't know where to start? Join Mads 7-day mini course on Body Neutrality!
https://madeline-rose.mykajabi.com/new-year-love-me
References
Bonfanti, R. C., Melchiori, F., Teti, A., Albano, G., Raffard, S., Rodgers, R., & Lo Coco, G. (2024). The association between social comparison in social media, body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Body Image, 52(101841), 101841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101841
Mallaram, G. K., Sharma, P., Kattula, D., Singh, S., & Pavuluru, P. (2023). Body image perception, eating disorder behavior, self-esteem and quality of life: a cross-sectional study among female medical students. Journal of Eating Disorders, 11(11), 225. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00945-2
Mancin, P., Vall-Roqué, H., Grey, W., Griffiths, S., & Bonell, S. (2024). Let’s talk about body neutrality: content analysis of #bodyneutrality on TikTok. Journal of Eating Disorders, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-024-01163-0
Mulgrew, K. E., & Hinz, A. (2024). What is body neutrality and how is it different to existing body image concepts? An analysis of experts and general community responses. Body Image, 51, 101780–101780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101780
National Organization for Women. (2024). Get the Facts. Now.org; National Organization for Women. https://now.org/now-foundation/love-your-body/love-your-body-whats-it-all-about/get-the-facts/
Patterson, K. (2025, September 24). What is Body Neutrality? How to Respect Your Body — Even on Days You Don’t Love It. UMMS Health. https://health.umms.org/2025/09/24/what-is-body-neutrality/
Pegg Frates MD, E. (2022, April 14). Moving to wellness while practicing body neutrality. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/moving-to-wellness-while-practicing-body-neutrality-202204142727
Pellizzer, M. L., & Wade, T. D. (2023). Developing a definition of body neutrality and strategies for an intervention. Body Image, 46, 434–442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.07.006
Keywords: body neutrality, body image podcast, body image healing, body shaming experiences, women’s body image, body acceptance vs body positivity, body confidence for women, self-worth and body image
View all episodes
By Katrina Bras and Madeline RoseIs loving your body the goal, or is that expectation part of the problem? What if peace, not passion, is the real rebellion?
In this episode of Rewired Woman Podcast, Kat and Mads get real about body neutrality, sharing personal experiences with body shaming, body image struggles, and the unlearning required to exist comfortably in a body that’s constantly being commented on.
We talk about how body neutrality differs from body positivity, why “just love your body” can feel impossible (and even harmful), and how cultural conditioning, trauma, and the male gaze shape the way we see ourselves. From childhood comments to adult relationships, we unpack how body narratives get wired into our nervous systems, and how to rewire them.
Along the way, you’ll hear vulnerable stories about shame, comparison, and how adolescent experiences shape internal narratives, plus grounded, compassionate practices for building a more neutral, respectful relationship with your body, without forcing gratitude or confidence you don’t actually feel yet.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
The difference between body positivity, body neutrality, and body acceptance
Personal experiences with body shaming (from family, partners, and society)
How early comments about appearance shape lifelong body image
Why “loving your body” can feel inaccessible during stress, trauma, or burnout
The nervous system’s role in body image and self-perception
How body neutrality can create more freedom around food, movement, and clothing
Practical ways to relate to your body with respect instead of judgment
These science girlies have come to a gentle conclusion:
You don’t owe your body love, confidence, or aesthetics. You owe it care, safety, and neutrality.
Body neutrality isn’t about giving up, it’s about opting out of the constant mental negotiation around your worth. And that shift can create space for more presence, peace, and self-trust.
💬 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you listen, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little less body pressure and a little more compassion.
Follow us on Instagram @rewiredwomanpod for behind-the-scenes moments, journaling prompts, and science-meets-soul conversations that help you rewire how you relate to yourself.
Don't know where to start? Join Mads 7-day mini course on Body Neutrality!
https://madeline-rose.mykajabi.com/new-year-love-me
References
Bonfanti, R. C., Melchiori, F., Teti, A., Albano, G., Raffard, S., Rodgers, R., & Lo Coco, G. (2024). The association between social comparison in social media, body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Body Image, 52(101841), 101841. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101841
Mallaram, G. K., Sharma, P., Kattula, D., Singh, S., & Pavuluru, P. (2023). Body image perception, eating disorder behavior, self-esteem and quality of life: a cross-sectional study among female medical students. Journal of Eating Disorders, 11(11), 225. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-023-00945-2
Mancin, P., Vall-Roqué, H., Grey, W., Griffiths, S., & Bonell, S. (2024). Let’s talk about body neutrality: content analysis of #bodyneutrality on TikTok. Journal of Eating Disorders, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-024-01163-0
Mulgrew, K. E., & Hinz, A. (2024). What is body neutrality and how is it different to existing body image concepts? An analysis of experts and general community responses. Body Image, 51, 101780–101780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101780
National Organization for Women. (2024). Get the Facts. Now.org; National Organization for Women. https://now.org/now-foundation/love-your-body/love-your-body-whats-it-all-about/get-the-facts/
Patterson, K. (2025, September 24). What is Body Neutrality? How to Respect Your Body — Even on Days You Don’t Love It. UMMS Health. https://health.umms.org/2025/09/24/what-is-body-neutrality/
Pegg Frates MD, E. (2022, April 14). Moving to wellness while practicing body neutrality. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/moving-to-wellness-while-practicing-body-neutrality-202204142727
Pellizzer, M. L., & Wade, T. D. (2023). Developing a definition of body neutrality and strategies for an intervention. Body Image, 46, 434–442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.07.006
Keywords: body neutrality, body image podcast, body image healing, body shaming experiences, women’s body image, body acceptance vs body positivity, body confidence for women, self-worth and body image