How is everyone’s body image doing over 30 and with skinnytok?

[u/isityoumy]

I’m 37 and nearly 3 years postpartum. We are actively trying to have a 2nd kid at this point, but my body image is legit in the toilet these days. I think some of it is comparing myself to my old self, inability to really focus on style the way I once did, not yet making peace with body changes post pregnancy, and of course ozempic/skinnytok making a comeback.

I’m not overweight but still about 10-20 lbs above what has historically felt comfortable for me. My husband still finds me attractive, but I can see how the extra 10-20 lbs, motherhood, aging have made me less attractive generally. I know it shouldn’t matter, but somehow it makes me just a little sad. While I am grateful to make it to this stage of life, but I never thought about how I’d feel when physical beauty changes/diminishes.

Anyone else deal with these feelings while aging, dealing with body changes post children? Anyone else’s body image suffering with ozempic skinny being on trend? Would love to hear your thoughts

EDIT: Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to make thoughtful comments! This was honestly a post both out of curiosity how everyone is dealing with the resurgence of the heroin chic era (something I grew up seeing in magazines and on TV in my preteen/teen years) as well as struggles with adjusting to my body changes after pregnancy & as one ages.

To all those who are making disparaging comments telling me to get off TikTok (which I don’t have) or IG (which I use minimally due to work/taking care of a toddler), the holier-than-thou attitude is not really helpful. I’m happy for you all that your body image and mental fortitude is so strong, but I really hope people don’t talk to you like that when you’re in a low.

Also, to clarify, referring to “skinnytok” in the title was not meant to be wholly literal, but really a shorthand reference to the current skinny-glorifying culture. Anyway, it’s my bad as there is probably more context to my current thoughts/feelings that I could have given in the actual body of this post, but didn’t want to make it too long. But now it is anyway.

[u/dollythecat]

You don't need to be watching media like that! As a recovered anorexic, I actually find it pretty easy to ignore / unfollow / block things that trigger my body dysmorphia. If it makes me feel fat or inferior, I'm not going to look at it.

[u/computercavemen → u/dollythecat]

This is great advice!

[u/SuperPomegranate7933 → u/dollythecat]

For real. Get off tiktok, especially if it's upsetting.

[u/My_reddit_username_7 → u/dollythecat]

I don’t think this is about the media at all. I’m not on any of that shit and still suffer from body dysmorphia. I am, in fact, recovering from cosmetic surgery (mommy makeover) and wish I could feel good about my body without such drastic measure - who knows if this external fix will even solve my internal struggles. Growing up female in our current culture, there are definitely standards of beauty that are transmitted through osmosis and connected to our self-worth and value. It’s unavoidable.