Our philosophy
Since I started this site in 1999, I've been traveling around the United States, talking to people about body image. I've also received letters from as far away as Israel, India and Australia. Body image is apparently a topic that people of all walks — male and female alike — can get passionate about.

I think it's because our bodies symbolize everything that we feel intensely. They are our enemies and our only safety zones. They seem to act on their own will at times, betraying our brains' commands.

We need to stay connected to our physical selves, to know our boundaries and to test the limits of our strength. I'm all for women being fit and healthy — we need that energy to feel safe, comfortable and powerful in our skin. I want us all to live long, vibrant lives.

Much has changed since this site began. With "obesity" (itself a contraversial term) now a national health epidemic, fat discrimination is on the rise AND our health is in jeopardy. How do we find the balance between body acceptance and true fitness? These are some topics we'll explore in the relaunch.

Bottom line, I believe that the root of body love is self-acceptance. We must learn to love ourselves NOW, exactly as we are and aren't. Even if we want to change, this vital acceptance is still a fundamental piece of the puzzle. But how do we find it? I hope the articles in the current site (and those to come) help you explore this question for yourself!

What do you believe? Drop me a line and let me know what you think!

Love,
Ophira

What's new around here?
We're still working on our full site redesign, but meanwhile, we've updated the homepage and added some new stuff: our Body Boutique and some great videos that will make you rethink what you've learned about beauty. Join the mailing list and be the first to know when we go live!

The "skinny" on skinny
For all the naturally thin girls who've written saying you feel left out of this website, I truly apologize. I've got some great articles from girls who feel the same as you, and they'll be part of the site redesign. We love your body just the way it is -- through thick AND thin!

Ophira on tour!
Every year, I travel the country, speaking at colleges, high schools and conferences about body image. If you'd like to inquire about an event, please contact me for info.