In addition to revolutionizing almost every facet of contemporary life, social media has significantly impacted beauty standards, per a research.
Women’s beauty standards have always been very specific. With every age, the ideal body shape has evolved, from Marilyn Monroe’s curves in the 1950s to the waifish forms of supermodels in the 1990s. Nevertheless, one theme remained constant: pop culture and advertising frequently imposed a singular ideal on women.
However, beauty standards have never been more varied thanks to social media. Creators of all shapes, sizes, and colors may be found on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. People’s perceptions of their own bodies are changing as a result of this inclusiveness movement, and for the first time, viewers are seeing representation in mainstream media that goes beyond size 0 models.
The new average is plus.
Interestingly, studies show that American women are becoming larger than ever before as they embrace size acceptance and body positivity.
A research published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education claims that the definition of “average” has changed.
According to the survey, “contrary to popular assumptions, the average American woman’s (AAW’s) clothing size is larger than anticipated.” Previously, American women were informed that the typical size was 14.
According to the report, the typical American woman wears a women’s plus size 20W, or a misses size 16 to 18. It also found that during the previous 20 years, the average waist size rose from 34.9 to 37.5 inches.
We hope that both business and consumers will be able to use this information. Many women’s self-images may be improved simply by knowing the average, Susan Dunn, one of the study’s principal specialists, told Today. “And we hope that the clothing industry will see the numbers and realize that these women are here to stay and that they deserve to be clothed.”
It’s still debatable, she continues, “that the clothes should fit well, both in terms of style and measurements, and be available somewhere other than back corners or only online.”
Why Are Women in America Growing Larger?
The average American woman is now bigger than she was in earlier decades, according to statistics. The average American woman now weighs around 170.6 pounds, up from 140 pounds in the 1960s, according to the CDC.
A number of variables are responsible for this trend:
Changes in Lifestyle: The availability of processed meals, sedentary work, and increased calorie intake are all significant factors.
Cultural Shifts: There is less social pressure to excessively diet as larger bodies are respected and appreciated.
Genetics and Environment: Body sizes are influenced by both genetics and environmental variables, including stress and availability to wholesome nutrients.
Not a matter of “cosmetic concern”
Unquestionably, social media has altered how we interact, shop, and live. Although there are numerous benefits to its effect, such increased worldwide connectedness and information availability, it also has a negative side: it has a small but substantial role in the rise in obesity rates, which the World Health Organization claims have quadrupled since 1990.
Social media contributes to the development of lifestyles that might result in weight gain by promoting unhealthy behaviors and sedentary activity. The Mayo Clinic cautions that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern,” even though large may be attractive.
According to the clinic, “it’s a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems.” Overweight affects 2.5 billion persons worldwide. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and some types of cancer are among the health problems.
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