Ariana Grande has long held a cherished place in pop culture, adored for her powerhouse vocals, iconic style, and down-to-earth charm. Yet, recent public outings have sparked fresh concern among her loyal followers.
“Alarmingly thin”
Since rising to prominence on the teen series Victorious, Grande has gone through numerous changes both in her career and personal life. But her latest transformation—most notably her slimmed-down figure—has caused a stir among fans and followers.
At the recent BAFTA Film Awards, Ariana appeared on the red carpet and was later seen interacting with admirers and signing pictures. Almost instantly, social media lit up with commentary focused on her appearance.
Now 31, the Grammy-winning artist has found herself once again at the center of online scrutiny, with many remarks zeroing in on her physique.
Comments like “alarmingly skinny” and “painfully thin” began circulating online shortly after photos of her at the event went viral.
One concerned fan commented, “She’s way too thin. I really hope she gets the help she needs before things get worse. Her body must be under serious stress.”
Another person offered a different perspective, stating, “She’s struggled with anxiety, and she actually looks healthier now than she did before. She was even thinner at one point.”
Still, many others voiced serious worry. “She doesn’t look well,” wrote one user. “Something’s clearly wrong.”
Fans fear possible eating disorder
Speculation quickly grew that the singer might be struggling with an eating disorder. Comments ranged from concerned to alarmed, with people suggesting her weight loss had gone beyond what’s considered healthy.
“There’s a difference between being slim and being this underweight. This looks dangerous,” someone wrote. Another added, “This isn’t Hollywood skinny—this is something else entirely. This is concerning.”
One fan wrote bluntly, “This looks like anorexia. She seriously needs help before her health is permanently affected.”
Others echoed the sentiment, with statements like “Every time she appears in public, she looks more frail. If anyone thinks she’s fine, they need to look closer—this is the textbook definition of an ED.”
Understanding the emotional connection
According to behavioral expert Dr. Patrick Wanis, the intense reactions to Ariana’s appearance stem from what’s known as a “parasocial relationship”—a one-sided emotional bond that fans develop with celebrities.
“Ariana became a star in her late teens, and fans feel they’ve grown up with her,” Dr. Wanis told Bored Panda in an email. “They hold onto an idealized version of her—young, vibrant, unchanged. So any physical shift is viewed through that emotional lens.”
These perceptions are magnified by the unrealistic standards set by fame, where any change—whether weight gain, weight loss, or aging—is often harshly judged.
Unrealistic expectations in showbiz
The entertainment world has long been criticized for promoting unattainable beauty ideals, particularly for women. From Christina Aguilera to Katy Perry, public figures have seen their bodies dissected with every fluctuation.
Female celebrities, in particular, are often caught in a no-win situation—expected to be slim but not too slim, toned but not overly muscular, polished but still “natural.”
Dr. Wanis emphasized, “This is the result of impossible standards placed on women. The industry and social media create a toxic environment that pressures stars like Ariana to stay forever youthful and flawless.”
As the creator of SRTT Therapy (Subconscious Rapid Transformation Technique), Dr. Wanis points to the combination of nostalgia, rigid beauty norms, and constant online commentary as a source of enormous pressure for performers like Grande.
A call for self-care
Throughout her career, Ariana Grande has been open about facing personal hardships while navigating fame. Her strength and openness have made her all the more beloved, and fans are now urging her to focus on what matters most—her health and happiness.
As the conversation continues, one thing is clear: her supporters care deeply and want nothing more than to see her thrive both mentally and physically. They’re watching and waiting, hoping the singer prioritizes her wellbeing in the midst of it all.