The pictures of female bodies are seen being
displayed all over the place. These women along with parts of their
bodies are used for selling everything from cars, clothes to food and
more.
In the present times famous film and TV actresses are seen becoming
slimmer and trimmer, taller and younger in age. Women's magazines are
seen to be full of these overwhelming articles that promise losing the
last twenty pounds will turn out to be the perfect solution for
situations in life - from marriage, sex, children and career.
The question that arises is that why are women being made to live up to
such stringent standard of beauty? Certain analysts suggest that this
approach is more economical where a steady and overwhelming growth is
seen and maintained in the diet and cosmetic industry.
Youth is definitely clubbed along with this concept and standard of
beauty where "thinness" is the mantra of today of being beautiful.
Women are being constantly bombarded with this idea of thinness and
beauty concept. If one does not require losing weight, surely she will
be aging and will need to maintain a false and superficial appearance.
In the world of the beautiful "age" or "aging" is a disaster that must
be managed.
The stakes are high. It has been observed that women are insecure about
their body statistics and facial appearances tend to purchase more of
these beauty and weight loss products. In view of today the diet
industry is itself worth 40 to 100 billion US dollars. Research and
study suggests that this image of young, thin and ultra-model women has
its links to depression, unhealthy eating habits and lack of self
esteem.
The Research group of the American Nervosa and related eating
disorders, Inc. reports that one out of every four college-going woman
tends to have eating disorders and use unhealthy weight reduction
methods such as skipping meals, over dieting, excessive fasting,
rigorous exercise, use of laxatives and puking. The Canadian women's
heath network has also reported that girls as young as 5 to 6 years of
age are implanting unhealthy weight reduction and diet programs on
themselves.
In the year 2003, the Teen magazine reported that 35% girls aged
between 6 and 12 was on at least one diet program and 50-70% or them
considered themselves to be overweight when actually their weight was
normal. This falsified concept of beauty and remaining young is taking
its toll on the younger generation and research substantiates that
almost 90% of the women are experiencing some sort of dissatisfaction
regarding their image, appearance and self esteem.
Unattainable Beauty
The media tends to portray an image of beauty that is unattainable and
perfect beauty figures and appearances can be achieved and attained
only by a small section of women who are professionals and
perfectionists. The rest will never reach this standard, but should
strive to achieve it.
Researcher trying to develop a computerized model of a woman according
to the proportions of a Barbie doll found out that women would actually
die from malnutrition and weakness. It is estimated that almost 99%
girls in the age limit of 3-10 years own a Barbie doll.
Seeking to achieve unhealthy standards of weight is an epidemic that
can have devastating consequences on health. In 2006 a statistical
survey revealed that nearly 4, 50,000 Canadian women were suffering
from some kind of eating disorder.
The Culture of Thinness
Researchers have also highlighted the fact the women's magazines have
more articles and advertisements on thinness and weight loss as
compared to that of men. Films and television portray the thin body of
a standard and measure of the worth of a woman. It has also been
reported that healthy women experienced some sort of negative comments
from their male counter parts because of their bodies.
There has been an effort to change the trend where in Madrid in the
year 2006, ultra-thin models were banned from walking the ramp. The
Quebec magazine Coup de Pounce is continuously adding images of healthy
and normal sized women. Furthermore, Spain has undertaken a project
where clothes would be standardized according to normal body statistics
of woman.
Despite these efforts the advertisements "Thinness is the ultimate
standard and pillar to success" and "become thin to attain a perfect
body" still prevails. Today models weigh 23% less than an average
woman. Advertisers believe thin models sell products better than an
average sized women, so the hype is all the more.
They continue to believe and remain convinced that only thin models can
spur the sales figures of beauty products in the market.
Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/
beauty-and-body-image-in-the-media-715203.html About the Author
Alex Fyfe is an expert in the area of health
& Fitness and has published numerous documents which can be
seen various article sites and on
http://www.alexfyfe.com
. If you need help with dieting check out http://www.fitteryounow.com
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