Nicole (on the left) and Lea at the NDU campus during World Health Day. (Credit: Crystal Ghantous)
At the faculty of nursing and health sciences at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), first-year students Christelle Najem, Lea Selman, Nicole Rebecca Romero, and Gabriella al-Ghossain are organizing a campaign they call Weigh Your Words to raise awareness among both victims and perpetrators of body shaming, a current issue affecting young and adults alike. Ghossain, 19, Weigh Your Words emphasizes verbal abuse "which often appears from a young age and continues in school, academic, and professional environments." Her classmate, Najem, 19, said that, as the title suggests, "the central message of the campaign is simple but essential: words have weight. Whether intentional or not, the words we use can uplift or hurt others."
Selman, 19, added, "Some comments, even harmless or joking, can be harmful. We often underestimate the emotional weight of our words." In creating this campaign, these young women drew inspiration from their own experiences.
"Many of us have been directly affected by body shaming, and we know how powerful and painful words can be," stated Nicole Rebecca Romero, 20.
In order to fight against the stigma and shame related to the body and promote self-acceptance, these nutrition and dietetics students carried out this campaign in April on their university campus with students, faculty and administrative staff, as well as at Saint Gregory School during a health fair organized by the institution.
"Our goal is to encourage students to think about how they talk to others and about others to foster a culture of kindness, inclusion, and respect. By raising awareness of the effects of hurtful comments and stereotypes, the campaign aims to create safer and more supportive environments where everyone feels recognized and accepted," explained Najem.
Sensitization posters, interactive activities, and social media mobilization are part of the campaign tactics that the creators adapt to different age groups after conducting field research and talking with those around them.
"Because body image is a particularly sensitive subject, especially for the younger ones, we wanted to create a campaign that they would understand through its simplicity, kindness, and emotional tone," said Romero.
For the campaign's activities, they chose everyday objects, like mirrors or scales, often associated with negative feelings.
"Our objective was to change this perception, to transform them into symbols of self-acceptance and self-love. Instead of generating anxiety, we wanted them to remind people of strength and confidence," stated the student.
Body shaming: impacts on mental health
Part of the Community Nutrition course for first-year students, this project helps students "understand what community nutrition is and how it applies in reality. It is also essential for them to become empathetic professionals," said Jessy al-Hayek, dean of the faculty of nursing and health sciences at NDU.
The campaign allowed students to apply theoretical knowledge in a concrete manner, "to become change makers, far beyond the role of passive learners," according to the dean, and to develop essential relational and interpersonal skills, such as empathy, active listening, teamwork, leadership, and communication.
"The project encourages students to go into the field, understand the challenges people face, and promote concrete and adaptable nutrition solutions," stated Hayek.
Selman said that this project allowed them to learn "to organize events, engage participants, and convey the message in a real context."
By improving their ability to solve problems, adapt their messages to different audiences, and think critically about the effectiveness of their interventions, the project aims to prepare students "to assume key roles in their field" and "train compassionate professionals ready to make a significant contribution to public health," stated Hayek.
Conducting such a campaign with a public not very aware of the subject has not been easy for these first-year students.
"One of the biggest challenges was finding the courage to speak about a sensitive subject like body shaming outside an academic setting. Initially, it was difficult to know how to address the topic without making people uncomfortable or defensive. It was necessary to find the right balance between raising awareness and creating a respectful and safe space for dialogue," said Selman, before adding that it was "extremely rewarding to see that people were genuinely engaging with the topic and taking the time to reflect on the impact their words can have on others."
If the four students took the campaign to heart, it is above all to denounce the effects that body shaming can have on the well-being of its victims. The campaign associates mockery or stigmatizing comments with "mental health disorders, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or even eating disorders," stated Ghossain.
"Social networks, AI filters convey unrealistic beauty standards, while social pressure encourages conformity. Sometimes, hurtful comments are made jokingly, without real awareness of their effects. Even light mockery can leave lasting marks on self-esteem," explained Hayek, adding that this can sometimes lead to "suicidal thoughts."
While young people are particularly vulnerable due to their self-image and social pressures, "research shows that body shaming also affects adults, including those who are more mature and self-aware. Unrealistic beauty standards can affect everyone, regardless of age," she added.
Beyond physical appearance, body shaming is rooted in deep beliefs and social stereotypes.
"It is fueled by unrealistic body standards, a lack of education on body diversity, and the trivialization of hurtful remarks in everyday conversations," said Ghossain.
Najem stated that "awareness and education are essential to break cycles of prejudice, and that real change begins with simple and thoughtful actions."
This campaign advocates for a culture "where kindness and respect are recognized as essential to public health and collective well-being" and for a change "that places acceptance above judgment, contributing to building healthier and more inclusive communities for all body types," stated Ghossain.
For the dean of the faculty of nursing and health sciences, it is crucial to address these issues to "build communities where everyone feels valued for who they are."
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.
