In today’s image-driven society, the stigma surrounding weight, especially for women, has been prevalent for ages. The perception that being overweight or obese is undesirable persists, but is there a hierarchy in how we view different body shapes? A recent study suggests there is, with findings indicating that women with fuller hips and thighs are viewed more favorably than those with extra weight in their stomachs. What’s up with this absurdity?
According to a report from Insider, a study conducted by researchers from Oklahoma State University and Arizona State University surveyed 750 participants. These individuals, divided into three groups, were shown images of women across various weight categories—underweight, average, overweight, and obese—and were asked to evaluate them. The results indicated that women who stored fat in their backsides, hips, and thighs were less stigmatized compared to those with protruding bellies. This bias was consistent among participants from diverse backgrounds, including those from the U.S. and India.
It’s hard not to roll your eyes at this. As Jaimie Arona Krems, one of the study’s authors, pointed out, this isn’t surprising for many women who have long discussed the importance of body shape—think apples, pears, and hourglasses.
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to 1992, when Sir Mix-A-Lot famously declared, “I like big butts and I cannot lie.” If you’re like me and grew up in the ’90s, you’ve likely danced to songs that glorified curvy figures. Fast forward to 1999, and the party continued with catchy tunes celebrating the ideal hourglass form. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have perpetuated this narrative, gaining massive attention for their shapely figures while a less flattering belly remains largely overlooked.
No one has ever penned a hit song extolling the virtues of a round stomach. Instead, society tends to admire women with “junk in the trunk” while critiquing those who carry weight in their midsections. This just doesn’t seem right.
We need to recognize that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Why should we feel pressured to conform to arbitrary standards regarding where we carry weight? Such messages contribute to an unhealthy culture of dieting and self-loathing. The reality is, many individuals fall into the trap of quick-fix products, hoping to shed “stubborn belly fat” without realizing the negative impact these messages have on self-esteem.
Sabrina Strings, a sociology professor at the University of California, Irvine, highlights the need to address the culture that valorizes hourglass figures and promotes the idea that women are not worthy as they are. We must challenge this narrative and foster a more inclusive understanding of beauty.
Some platforms have begun to take steps in the right direction, like Pinterest’s recent ban on content promoting weight loss products and before-and-after photos. This is a positive move towards prioritizing body positivity, and we hope more social media sites follow suit.
Whether you celebrate your curves or embrace a softer middle, know that every body is beautiful. Your body is capable of incredible things, from nurturing life to accomplishing physical feats. So, nourish and care for it; your uniqueness is worth celebrating.
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In summary, while societal beauty standards may favor certain body types, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the diversity of all shapes. The focus should be on self-acceptance and health rather than conforming to unrealistic ideals.
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