Belly Buttons Are So Overrated

Enough is enough, from thigh gaps, to bikini bridges and now the belly button challenge. The belly button challenge is a new body trend flooding social media. I am not talking about a stylish, fashion trend that everyone should follow. Instead the belly button challenge proves that society sucks.

It’s believed that this trend started in China. No matter where it started it has made an unwanted appearance on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages. The idea of this challenge is suppose to indicate if you need to lose weight. If your right arm is able to reach the left side of your navel from your back, you are thin and healthy. Completely bogus! I am not a health or fitness expert but I do have a brain and I know that touching your belly button does not prove if one is healthy. What girls fail to realize is that flexibility and long arms are the only things that determine if you can touch your belly button.

         Today, the pressure to become thin is stronger than ever. From personal experiences, it can be hard to get rid of the negative thoughts about your body. Constantly, one is bombarded with thoughts of feeling fat, feeling ugly, and feeling unworthy.

It seems like these body trends are harmless but instead they have dangerous outcomes. Although I believe that the media is not the sole contributor to eating disorders, these trends can still add fuel to the fire. Eating disorders are no joking matter and continue to rise among teens and adults, both males and females. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, over 30 million people of all ages and genders suffer from eating disorders. In fact, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder. I wish society kept these facts and statistics in mind before they start telling us that being thin is all that matters.

I am a huge advocate for promoting body peace. Although I find it hard to sometimes take my own advice, I strongly believe that body shaming needs to stop NOW. Since when does being thin make you a more worthy human being? I was always taught that it is what is on the inside that counts.

I can’t help but to laugh at this idea of the belly button challenge because it is nothing but complete foolishness. However, the sad part is that not all girls can laugh about it and most fall victim to society’s idea of the “perfect body.” Take the vow with me and promise not to post anything on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook that shames your body or others. It’s not worth it. Besides, belly buttons are so overrated, but being healthy never goes out of style.