New Research Reveals the 'Slim-Thick' Beauty Standard Is Damaging Girls' Body Image

A recent study has found that the “slim-thick” body ideal, popularized by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, may be more detrimental to young women’s body satisfaction than the previous “ultra-thin” standard. As social media feeds overflow with heavily edited images of women, the shift from aspiring to be ultra-thin to embracing curves in precisely the right areas has emerged. This new standard promotes a flat stomach paired with fuller breasts, buttocks, and thighs, creating the “slim-thick” concept.

Researchers at York University in Toronto examined the impact of this prevalent ideal on society and discovered that it poses a greater threat to women’s body image compared to the thin ideal. Sarah McComb, a researcher involved in the study, told Yahoo Canada, “While the slim-thick body type features a larger frame, it does not provide a healthier alternative to the thin ideal for media consumers—it is, in fact, more harmful to women’s self-perception.“

This revelation, albeit not surprising, is disheartening for many who have struggled with body image issues. Reflecting on personal experiences, I remember my first realization of being “fat” at just five years old, when an innocent comment from a friend shattered my self-esteem. Shopping for a swimsuit with my mother, I was excited about a yellow bikini—only to be thwarted by her belief that I should wear a one-piece instead. Such moments ignited a long journey towards self-acceptance.

In my twenties, I began to find solace in the “body positivity” movement on social media, connecting with a community that celebrated diverse shapes and sizes. However, this movement has shifted, with average-sized women often taking center stage and receiving praise for their minor insecurities, while the true representation of larger bodies has been sidelined.

The study highlights that the slim-thick ideal appeals to women across various backgrounds, yet achieving such a body is often only possible through plastic surgery or extreme dieting. Unfortunately, society seems to have congratulated itself for addressing fat-phobia, while the core issues remain unchallenged. Until we genuinely embrace and represent all body types, particularly those of fat women, true body positivity will remain elusive, impacting the mental health of future generations.

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Summary:

The ‘slim-thick’ body ideal is shown to have a more negative impact on young women’s body image than the ultra-thin standard it replaced. While it suggests a more inclusive representation of body types, the reality is that achieving this look is often unattainable without surgical or extreme measures. The ongoing fight for genuine body positivity remains critical for the mental well-being of future generations.