The Body Joyful

Anne Poirier's book explores approaches to body image and wellbeing from the perspective of an eating counsellor, advocating for more measured relationships with our bodies.

It introduced and popularised the term 'body neutrality', offering an alternative to unconditional body positivity by focusing on function and acceptance.

Poirier draws on clinical experience and cultural critique to question pressures around appearance and to suggest practical shifts in thinking.

The book situates body neutrality as a middle ground between dissatisfaction and forced self-love, encouraging respect for the body rather than constant focus on its appearance.

It has been influential in discussions about contemporary body-image movements and clinical practice.