Is Body Positivity Losing Ground

Is Body Positivity Fading? The New Focus of A ‘Thinness’

Is Body Positivity Losing Ground? Concerns Over the Return of ‘Thinness’

In 2024, discussions around body image have taken a worrying turn, with many fearing that the body positivity movement is losing ground. Experts, influencers, and even celebrities are raising alarms over a disturbing trend that suggests a return to the glorification of thinness as the beauty standard. After years of progress towards inclusivity and acceptance, some wonder if society is reverting back to an era where only one body type is celebrated.

The Setback in Fashion and Media

One of the main areas where this shift is most noticeable is in the fashion industry. Celebrity stylist Ariel Tunnell, who has worked with stars like Camila Cabello and Rachel Bloom, recently voiced concerns that the inclusivity previously seen on runways is dwindling. Tunnell pointed out that while plus-size clothing options still exist, they are becoming less frequent and harder to find. “There was a bigger push for inclusivity and body acceptance of all shapes and sizes, but it feels like we are taking a step backward,” she said.

This shift in fashion is echoed by body positivity advocates who spent years pushing for the acceptance of diverse body types. Now, many feel that 2024 marks a dangerous return to the thin ideal, where bodies conform to one narrow standard. With the rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and an increasing focus on “ballet bodies,” it’s clear that the battle for body acceptance is far from over.

Celebrity Voices Against Unrealistic Beauty Standards

Celebrities are also speaking out against the unrealistic beauty standards that are making a comeback. Actress Sydney Sweeney recently clapped back at online trolls who called her “fat” after paparazzi shots of her lounging in the Florida Keys. Meanwhile, actress Florence Pugh openly addressed the criticism she’s faced for not adhering to conventional beauty standards, revealing that some still expect her to lose more weight despite her defiance of societal expectations.

These public reactions are not isolated incidents. On the red carpet and in everyday life, women continue to face intense scrutiny over their bodies. Even with the rise of body positive movements, many women are still judged for not fitting into a narrow definition of beauty. This ongoing pressure highlights the discrepancy between public messaging around body acceptance and the reality many women face in their personal and professional lives.

The Fashion Industry’s Mixed Message

A recent report by Vogue Business revealed alarming data about the state of size inclusivity on runways. Despite the fashion industry’s efforts to include diverse models, less than 1% of runway models were plus-sized in 2024, with over 94% falling into the U.S. Size 0-4 range. This stark contrast suggests that the fashion industry is still heavily influenced by a preference for thinness, despite calls for broader representation.

Even brands that have attempted to be more inclusive, like Victoria’s Secret, have faced criticism. While the lingerie giant featured plus-size models like Ashley Graham in its revamped fashion show, many viewers felt that the show still predominantly celebrated slimmer bodies, failing to make a genuine shift toward diversity. This highlights the ongoing struggle to balance inclusivity with the industry’s longstanding preference for the “ideal” body.

Plastic Surgery Trends and the Shift Toward Slimness

The obsession with thinness isn’t just confined to the fashion world. The realm of plastic surgery is also seeing a shift towards more streamlined, “natural” body types. The “ballet body” trend has taken hold, with procedures like liposuction and breast augmentation being used to achieve a slim, athletic look. This trend further entrenches the idea that a specific body type is more desirable, creating even more pressure for individuals to conform to these beauty standards.

The Need for Societal Change

Experts like Dr. Renee Engeln, a psychology professor at Northwestern University, believe that the body positivity movement has not made as much of an impact as many would hope. While the media may present messages of body acceptance, Engeln argues that there is still widespread anti-fat bias and body shaming, particularly for women. Despite the proliferation of body-positive content, the underlying societal structures that elevate thinness continue to dominate.

“The problem is not just personal acceptance,” Engeln explains. “It’s about addressing the broader cultural attitudes that perpetuate these unrealistic standards. Body positivity campaigns can only go so far when systemic issues remain largely unchallenged.”

Fighting for Change

For many, the battle for body acceptance is an ongoing struggle. As Tunnell puts it, “If no one fights and no one continues to speak up, I think thin will always be in, and thin will always win.” To break free from the societal pressures that glorify one body type, it’s crucial for individuals and industries alike to continue pushing for change.

Whether through more inclusive fashion choices, celebrities challenging unrealistic beauty standards, or societal shifts in the way we define beauty, progress is still possible. But unless there is a collective effort to fight back against these narrow definitions, the return of thinness as the norm may continue to dominate, sidelining the inclusivity and body acceptance that many have worked so hard to achieve.

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