Dr. Shripuja Siddamsetty Explains Body Neutrality

From “Not Good Enough” to Wholeheartedly Neutral: Embracing Body Neutrality to Survive Academic Pressure

HYDERABAD — The physical and hormonal shifts of adolescence already make body image a primary source of social anxiety. However, when high-stakes exams are added to the mix, the intense pressure can cause teenagers to neglect their physical well-being, spiraling into harsh self-criticism over changes in their sleep, skin, or weight.

A refreshing movement called “body neutrality” is going viral as a realistic alternative to forced body positivity. Instead of pressuring youth to constantly love how their changing bodies look, it teaches them to respect and appreciate what their bodies do—such as carrying them through a tough day, breathing through a panic attack, or staying alert during an intense study session.

“When students are under immense performance stress, a hyper-focus on physical appearance only drains their limited mental energy,” explains Dr. Shripuja Siddamsetty, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Corporate Trainer. “Body neutrality lowers the high emotional stakes. It shifts the teen’s focus away from appearance-related anxiety toward functional gratitude. Realizing that your body is a resilient vessel supporting you through your exams—rather than an object to be judged—builds a profound, grounded sense of core resilience that protects youth throughout adolescence.”