Trends come and go. We see it in fashion, skincare, fitness, diets, entertainment and technology. But why oh why do women also have to contend with body trends?
In the last decade alone we have seen the hourglass figure popularised by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Beyonce, the athletic build promoted by fitness influencers and the rise of athleisure fashion. The big booty was again popularised by Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez and don’t even get me started on the thigh gap trend! Slim thick (a combination of a slim waist and thicker thighs and buttocks), flat stomach, natural and healthy, body positivity, skinny, and the androgynous look. I could go on.
The latest body trend appears to be the “ballet body” according to The Zoe Report, which reports that plastic surgeons are noticing a new trend towards women embracing holistically balanced features and seeking out more subtle cosmetic changes.
But what is all this doing to women? The simple answer is it’s damaging them.
Constant exposure to changing body trends can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Women may feel pressured to conform, leading to mental health struggles. The desire to achieve a trendy body type can result in unhealthy behaviours such as restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, or eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
Extreme measures to fit into a body trend, such as fad diets or excessive cosmetic procedures, can pose significant risks to physical health. These practices can lead to malnutrition, weakened immune systems, and other health issues. and body trends often highlight perceived flaws, making women feel insecure about their natural bodies. This perpetuates a cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction.
But the beauty and fashion industries profit from promoting body trends, encouraging women to spend money on products and procedures to achieve these ideals. This then leads to financial strain and a sense of dependency on these industries for self-worth. When we re tying self-worth to appearance and adherence to body trends, it undermines our sense of value and self-respect.
So what do we do? Ignore the body trends!! This is crucial for fostering a healthier and more inclusive society. By ignoring the body trends, we can:
1. Help promote body positivity
By promoting body positivity we are accepting of all body types, encouraging more women to appreciate their bodies for what they can do rather than how they look.
2. Reduce body shaming
By not adhering to specific body trends, we can reduce body shaming and discrimination based on appearance. This fosters a more inclusive environment where everyone is valued equally.
3. Focus on health over appearance
This is a really important one. Prioritising health and well-being over appearance shifts your focus to maintaining a healthy lifestyle rather than trying to conform to ever-changing trends. This shift in perspective is what is also going to help motivate you to exercise and eat well.
4. Empower individuality
Ignoring body trends empowers you to embrace your unique features and personal style. It encourages self-expression and confidence in your natural body.
Next time you read about the next new body trend, pause. Pay attention to these media messages and understand the manipulation involved. Then let’s focus on creating a more inclusive, healthy, and supportive environment where women are valued for their unique attributes and contributions, not just their appearance.
