We often equate fitness with a slim body. While it’s alright to have a vision of a fit body, demeaning one’s natural appearance is an act of bullying. That is precisely what happened to Anshula Kapoor in her childhood, about which she recently opened up. Anshula revealed how bullying made her conscious about her body and compelled her to resort to “emotional eating” during difficult times, especially after her parents had separated.“People think teasing others, saying ‘you’re so ugly, you’re so fat,’ will help them, but it doesn’t work like that. Constantly making someone feel like they don’t deserve to breathe the same air as you just because they look different can seriously affect a person’s mental health,” Anshula told Yuvaa.Adding that the constant bullying and body shaming often make people fall for the false concept of beauty, and also takes a toll on a person’s mental health, Anshula said: “It was never about looking a certain way or being a certain weight – it was about being healthy, being able to climb three floors. But the more people taunted me, the more I retreated into my shell.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anshula Kapoor (@anshulakapoor) But why do people often mistake fitness for a perfect body?According to Dr Arpita Kohli, Psychologist at PSRI Multispeciality Hospital, Delhi, many people equate fitness with external appearance because of the cultural emphasis on slimness and toned bodies as symbols of health. However, fitness is not about how someone looks, but about how their body functions. “Actual fitness includes strength, endurance, flexibility, and most importantly, mental well-being. Someone can appear thin yet be unhealthy due to poor lifestyle habits, while another person with a different body type may be physically fit. This misunderstanding often comes from media-driven ideals that promote appearance over health,” Dr Kohli told indianexpress.com.Appearance over health is not just a media construct, but a societal stigma, the expert stressed, adding that often, childhood bullying, as was in Anshula’s case, leaves “childhood scars.” “Repeated negative comments can make individuals internalise the belief that their worth depends on size or looks. This creates low self-esteem and makes them more likely to chase unrealistic standards of the ‘perfect body’,” Dr Kohli reiterated.The constant negativity and body shaming may lead to anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and body dysmorphia.Story continues below this adEven in Anshula’s case, the distasteful comments forced her into becoming a grief eater. “I didn’t realise I was an emotional eater until two years after my mom died. I must have gained 25 kilos in a year after her passing, and I didn’t realise I was eating my grief. Food became my comfort when everything felt out of control,” she said in the interview.According to health experts, there’s a strong neurological link between stress, emotions, and eating behaviour. Stress activates cortisol, which can increase cravings for high-fat, high-sugar foods. Emotional distress often pushes people toward “comfort eating” as a way to soothe negative feelings.So, how do we cope with these emotions?To differentiate, individuals should pause and ask: Am I hungry for food or comfort? “Strategies like mindful eating, keeping a food-mood diary, practising relaxation techniques, and having structured meal times can help break the cycle,” said Dr Anjana Kalia, Ayurvedic Doctor & Nutritionist at Bloom Clinix, Delhi.Dr Kalia elaborated that fitness should ultimately be about living better, not just looking different. “I encourage patients to track health markers, including energy levels, sleep quality, improved blood work, and mental well-being. I also stress the importance of small, consistent lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management. Celebrating non-scale victories—like climbing stairs without breathlessness or feeling more energetic—helps clients embrace a holistic journey,” she concluded.Story continues below this adDISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine