The Embrace Collective

Start Living

Despite high awareness of the problem, dissatisfaction with body image remains a persistent and dangerous problem. Research shows 91% of Australian women want to change their bodies. And this fixation on looks creates a cycle that impacts the next generation, with 77% of young people saying they’re in body image distress.

Award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author and 2023 Australian of the Year, Taryn Brumfitt, worked with Showpony to launch “Start Living”, a national campaign challenging societal norms and empowering individuals to break free from the cycle of body criticism and dissatisfaction.

Because despite what we worry about when we’re alive, the truth is, the size of our jeans isn’t etched into gravestones. Instead we’re remembered for the things that really matter – how we make people feel, the memories we share, the kindness we show.

With evidence to suggest that reflecting on mortality helps people re-prioritise their life, this concept uses death as a confronting way to rethink how we live, what we worry about, and the impacts that fixation on body image can have.

If you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s body image and eating behaviours, call the Butterfly Helpline on (1800 334 763).  For more general mental health support, contact the Beyond Blue Support Service. Call a counsellor on 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au