Over 45 Million People Have Watched This Amazing Video on Body Image

Lifestyle

 | March 10, 2016 | By Margo Gothelf

A new video is making the rounds on Facebook and has already been viewed 62 million times (as of press time).

The video titled, “Body Image,” was posted to artist Jody Steel’s Facebook page. In the video, Steel’s face is never shown. The video plays as she paints her abdomen with lines to create the effect to “bind her stomach tighter,” shared Cosmopolitan, as if she’s being wrung out like a dishrag. As the video continues to play in a time lapse setting, the lines get tighter and tighter. By the end of the short video, Steel’s body looks as if she’s nearly wasted away.

The video’s rising popularity has prompted individuals with eating disorders and body image issue to speak out freely in the comment section of the video.

“This is beautiful and incredibly illustrative of the struggle millions of people go through every day,” one Facebook user shared.

Shortly after the video went viral, Steel posted her own message in the comment section, encouraging others to speak freely about body image and other unrealistic expectations regarding the body.

“I appreciate all of the kind words!

“There have been times I’ve look in a mirror and wished for a perfect figure. No matter how much I went to the gym or how little I ate carbs and sugar, I still didn’t see what I imagined was perfect. Once I realized that naturally, I don’t have a coke bottle figure, or long and thin legs, I began to let go of the pressures I’ve felt to fulfill an image that our society has deemed the pinnacle of beauty. I like to adventure and I love to try new foods—especially if they’re spicy. So let go of your demons and learn to enjoy the things you love in life. You can be healthy and happy. I’ve had this idea for a long time and I’m glad I finally did it!”

Check out Steel’s powerful video below and see more of her work on Instagram.