Models. Influencers. Celebrities. Everybody has seen them on magazine covers, social media, and anywhere you look in a clothing store. Modern “beauty” standards are portrayed especially on social media and sometimes they are not painting an accurate picture of what they actually look like.

According to a study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, the average size of women in the U.S. is a size 16, which is a 34-inch waist. Most “normal” sized mannequins in stores have a 24-inch waists. Most models plastered on billboards and shop windows have itty-bitty bodies. Society has a habit of promoting a very minute spectrum of what “beauty” is. Bullies, internet trolls, and sometimes even peers will tell both genders to get on a treadmill or suck in their tummy. Being skinny is not something to be ashamed of either, but a lot of girls compare their bodies to skinnier women.

According to statistics from Anad.org, “9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.” Whether it be bulimia, anorexia, etc., it has become an apparent problem in all ages.

Truth be told, body image is a struggle for almost everyone. It’s easy to look in the mirror and find things you dislike about yourself, but you aren’t alone. Instead of criticizing yourself, try finding some things you really love about yourself, and remember that every body is different. You were created to look exactly the way you do, so be confident!

If you are struggling with body image you are not alone, and you can always talk to a close friend, counselor, teacher, or you parent/guardian about it.

1-800-931-2237: National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

741-741: Text NEDA

Call or text these numbers to get help!

https://anad.org/get-informed/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/