Let’s talk about something that’s become quite a buzz on social media: #VBO, which stands for Visible Belly Outline. And guess what? It’s not just for women who are plus-sized. It’s a declaration that says, “I may not have a flat stomach, and that’s perfectly fine because most people don’t have perfect abs, either.”
Let’s face it, we’re not Hollywood stars with endless hours to dedicate to grueling workouts led by personal trainers. We’re busy parents, many of us juggling one, two, or even three children. Some of us might have noticed a little belly bulge even when we were at a size two, and for others, it might have taken until baby number three to develop. Personally, I know I’d be a couple of sizes smaller if it weren’t for my belly pooch. But here’s the reality: most of us will have, or already do have, a visible belly outline.
Sure, we can try to hide it. We can wear Spanx, opt for flowy clothing, or even consider cosmetic procedures. But wouldn’t it be so much healthier and freeing to simply proclaim: “Hey world, I have a visible belly outline, and it’s not going anywhere!” Almost every woman, especially those who have given birth, experiences this. It’s time to take pride in our bodies, embrace who we are, and stop feeling ashamed of something that’s completely natural.
It can be daunting at first, especially when faced with the dreaded question, “When are you due?”—when you’re not expecting at all. That can sting and make you feel like hiding. But we need to remind ourselves that we don’t have to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. When someone makes a comment about your body, you can respond confidently with, “No, I’m not pregnant, and it’s not okay for you to judge my body.”
We need to speak up against body shaming, no matter who it comes from. We’ve come a long way from the days when women felt pressured to conform to damaging ideals. VBO is here to stay, and we should celebrate it. If you scroll through the #VBO hashtag on Instagram, you’ll see women of all shapes and sizes proudly showcasing their bodies. Look at how stunning they are and how their confidence radiates. Don’t you want that for yourself? Don’t you want to proclaim that you are beautiful, VBO and all, and forget about those who can’t accept you?
You are empowered, you are beautiful, and you deserve to love every part of yourself. Think about it: when you walk down the street, do you criticize other women for their bodies? Probably not. You likely find beauty in them, so why not extend that same kindness to yourself? You are part of a community of beautiful, amazing people who, like you, have VBO.
Washboard abs are not the benchmark for beauty. Your loved ones don’t care about that tummy pooch; they care about you. It’s a comforting part of who you are, and it contributes to the special moments shared with your family. Remember how you felt about your mother or grandmother’s belly? You likely thought it was the best part, and it still can be.
Trust me, your VBO is lovely, simply because it’s part of you. You deserve to embrace yourself fully. So stop the tummy hate, stop hiding, and wear what makes you comfortable. Most importantly, love yourself—VBO and all.
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Summary
In embracing the Visible Belly Outline (VBO), we acknowledge that it’s a natural part of our bodies, especially for women who have given birth. Instead of hiding or feeling ashamed, we should celebrate our bodies as they are. This article encourages self-acceptance and confidence, reminding us that most women experience a VBO, and it’s time to love ourselves unconditionally.