I mean, with all the shots and the pills and the drills, BODY POSITIVITY IS ON THE RISE, I think. Well, either way, I'm just happy to be here. My name is Desiree Design Deal, aka your big girl.So, I found a way to celebrate myself using wit and creativity, no matter what the world says. And I've defined it. Check this out.Big stands for beautiful, intelligent, and gifted. So, now that we've got that established, BIG GIRLS, MAKE SOME NOISE. FELLAS, I haven't forgot about you.Big boys, make some noise. That's ...

Body Image & Self-Perception - Perspective on beauty is subjective, similar to how Ganesha evolved from obstacle creator to remover [1][2] - Society often prioritizes physical appearance, leading to an overemphasis on weight loss and external validation [3][4] - Hyperfocus on weight can lead to unhealthy behaviors and a distorted self-perception [5] - The speaker's personal journey highlights the importance of reconnecting with oneself and the world after a period of hyperobsession [6][7] - Vulnerability allows others to be open about their insecurities, fostering connection [19][20] Lessons Learned - Over-controlling tendencies often manifest in focusing on easily manageable aspects like weight [8] - Acceptance is the opposite of denial and a necessary step in addressing issues without self-hatred [9] - Healing is a non-linear journey that progresses from body hatred to neutrality, acceptance, and positivity [12] - Context is crucial; the definition of "healthy" varies based on individual needs and circumstances [15][16] Societal Impact & Recommendations - In the US, $305 billion is spent on the beauty industry, indicating a need to shift focus from appearance to inner qualities [17] - Complimenting individuals on their energy, voice, talent, and empathy can help redefine beauty standards [17] - Food should be appreciated for its emotional and cultural value, not just its nutritional content [22][23]

Societal Stereotypes & Gender Bias - The presentation addresses the pervasive issue of gender stereotypes and their impact on women, highlighting the discrepancy between the ideal of gender equality and the reality of societal biases [1] - The speaker shares personal anecdotes illustrating how societal expectations and stereotypes affect women's self-perception and experiences, particularly concerning body image and eating habits [2][3][4] - The presentation challenges the stereotype that women should eat less than men, pointing out the biological differences in body fat percentage between genders, with women generally needing more fat [5] - The talk critiques the use of derogatory terms to describe women's bodies and the tendency to judge women based on their appearance [4][6] - The presentation addresses the stereotype of "female drivers," debunking the myth by citing statistics from China that show women have a lower traffic accident rate (025%) compared to men (22%) [8][9] Call to Action & Empowerment - The speaker encourages the audience to challenge stereotypes and question those who impose them, advocating for individual freedom and self-acceptance [11] - The presentation emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and taking control of one's body and mind in the face of challenges [11] - The speaker acknowledges that the stereotypes discussed are just the "tip of the iceberg," implying a broader issue of societal biases affecting both men and women [11]

Body Image & Mental Health in Dance/Sports Industry - Body dissatisfaction is prevalent, with estimates suggesting 69-84% of women experience it [9] - The mindset to stay thin at any cost is common in the dance and sports industries [9] - Intuitive eating as teens is linked to a lower likelihood of depression and disordered eating as adults [16] - Optimal sleep is intertwined with athletic performance, brain health, and metabolic health [19] Strategies for Body Acceptance - Daily journaling can increase self-reflection, cognitive restructuring, and improve emotional regulation [11] - Journaling can lower stress levels, decrease anxiety, and boost self-esteem [12] - Intuitive eating involves channeling the body's natural cues for hunger and fullness without judgment [16] - Body rest and recovery are essential for improving motivation and metabolism [19] Practical Application - Journaling questions for body acceptance include: What makes your body special? What are positive coping strategies? How does your body support your goals? [15] - Intuitive eating helps individuals understand why they eat (emotional vs physical hunger) [17]