Social media has changed almost every part of our lives, and a recent study shows it has also greatly impacted what we consider beautiful.
In the past, beauty standards for women were very limited. From the curvy look of Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s to the skinny models of the 1990s, the idea of the perfect body has evolved over time. However, one thing remained the same: women were often expected to fit into a single standard set by pop culture and ads.
Now, social media is broadening these beauty standards more than ever. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube feature creators of all different sizes, shapes, and colors. This change towards inclusivity is altering how people see their own bodies, allowing audiences to finally see representation that goes beyond just size 0 models in mainstream media.
Plus is the new average
Interestingly, as American women are embracing body positivity and size inclusivity, research reveals they are also getting bigger than before.
According to a study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, the term “average” has been redefined.
In the past, it was believed that the average clothing size for American women was a size 14. However, a new study indicates that the reality is different, showing that the average size is actually larger than many people thought.
According to the study, the typical American woman now wears a misses size between 16 and 18, which is similar to a plus size 20W. It also found that the average waist size has grown from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the last twenty years.
One of the researchers, Susan Dunn, shared with Today that they hope this information reaches both the fashion industry and consumers. She believes that understanding the average size can really help women feel better about themselves. Dunn also pointed out that the clothing industry needs to recognize that these women are not going anywhere and deserve stylish and well-fitting clothes.
She mentioned that the ongoing debate about making clothing available in more places, rather than just in the back of stores or online, is still a hot topic.
Why Are American Women Getting Bigger?
Data shows that the average American woman has become larger over the years. The CDC reports that the average weight for American women is now about 170.6 pounds, compared to just 140 pounds back in the 1960s.
There are a few reasons why this is happening:
- Changes in Lifestyle: Many people have jobs that require them to sit a lot, they eat more calories, and processed foods are easy to find, which all add to the problem.
- Cultural Changes: Society is starting to accept and even celebrate bigger bodies, which means there’s less pressure to constantly go on diets.
- Genetics and Surroundings: Our genes, along with things like stress and how easy it is to get healthy food, also affect how our bodies look.
Not a ‘cosmetic concern’
Social media has really changed how we connect with each other, share information, and live our daily lives. While it has some great benefits, like helping us stay in touch with people around the world and giving us easy access to news, it also has some negative effects. One of these is its role in increasing obesity rates, which the World Health Organization says have doubled since 1990.
Social media can promote unhealthy eating habits and encourage us to be less active, which can lead to weight gain. Even though being big can be seen as beautiful, the Mayo Clinic points out that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern.”
“It’s a medical issue that raises the risk of many other diseases and health problems,” the clinic explains about the 2.5 billion adults worldwide who are overweight. “These health issues include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and some types of cancer.”
In the end, beauty is not about fitting into a specific image but about celebrating who we are as individuals. Social media can help spread this message, and if we use it wisely, it can continue to change beauty standards in positive ways.
What do you think about social media and how it affects beauty standards? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share this story with your friends to get their opinions too!