Exploring Body Neutrality and Body Image with Jameela Jamil (FutureLearn)

Explore how the media influences self-esteem and body image stereotypes

The toxic combination of the media combined with societal pressures is known to have a significant impact on how we feel about our bodies and our self-esteem.

This course, created by Tommy Hilfiger in collaboration with Jameela Jamil, is going to help you fight back.

Through videos and interviews with Jameela, you’ll learn about the history and tactics that contribute to poor body image, explore the external factors that damage our self-esteem, and work towards increasing your body positivity and even finding body neutrality.

Build body confidence and learn the difference between body positivity and body neutrality

The course begins with an exploration of body neutrality. You’ll discover how it differs from the concept of body positivity and the body positivity movement.

You’ll feel empowered to make an informed decision on whether body neutrality is right for you and, if it is, what small shifts in your mindset you can make to achieve it.

Discover practical ways to combat negative body image and learn to love your body

With years of societal shame to unlearn, building self-esteem and finding self-love and acceptance won’t be easy.

But, this course will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to seize control, prioritise self-education, and take power away from the institutions that have been harming your self-worth for so long.

What topics will you cover?

- Defining the scale of the crisis in eating disorders, low self-esteem, and associated mental health issues

- Body neutrality vs. body positivity: what’s the difference and why it is important

- Tools for “unlearning,” questioning and overcoming prevailing beauty standards

- Actions we all can take and further resources

Learning on this course

You can take this self-guided course and learn at your own pace. On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

- Demonstrate understanding of the factors influencing our self-esteem

- Explore body neutrality, it's differences from body positivity and why it is a desirable approach

- Apply as necessary to reevaluate the influences in your life

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone who has ever thought negatively about their physical appearance.

The course will help people of all ages and interests to better understand the impact of body image stereotypes. No matter where you are in your life or career, you’ll learn something important.