Beauty standards have continuously evolved based on societal, cultural, and economic factors throughout history. In ancient times, symmetrical facial features and full bodies depicted in Greek sculptures symbolized health and fertility. During the Middle Ages, a slim waist and pale skin were desirable traits, while the Renaissance era saw beauty in fuller, rounder figures, as illustrated in Rubens’ paintings.
In the 20th century, the perception of beauty underwent rapid transformation. The "flapper" style of the 1920s popularized a slim, androgynous body type, while the 1950s brought curvier figures into the limelight, exemplified by Marilyn Monroe. The 1990s introduced supermodels with thin and tall physiques as the new ideal. Today, beauty standards are heavily influenced by social media and cosmetic surgery, creating complex and often unattainable pressures on women.
Media and popular culture play a crucial role in shaping beauty ideals. Television, magazines, and cinema frequently portray idealized, flawless body images, urging women to strive for these unrealistic standards. In recent years, social media has amplified this pressure through filters and edited photos, reinforcing unattainable expectations. Popular culture constantly redefines the "ideal body," often resulting in unrealistic benchmarks.
Societal beauty standards directly impact women’s body perception, often leading to unhealthy behavioral patterns.
The ever-changing and elusive nature of beauty standards has contributed to the increasing prevalence of eating disorders. Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder are closely linked to societal pressures surrounding body image and weight control. The promotion of thinness by media and the fashion industry has particularly affected young women, increasing the incidence of these disorders. Research indicates that social media use exacerbates body dissatisfaction, triggering psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Between 2000 and 2018, the global prevalence of eating disorders more than doubled, rising from 3.5% to 7.8%. While eating disorders affect both genders, they are significantly more common among women. Lifetime prevalence rates of any eating disorder range from 0.74% to 2.2% in men and 2.58% to 8.4% in women. These disorders are closely linked to societal pressures on women’s body image and are most prevalent during adolescence and young adulthood. Media and popular culture further expand risk groups by creating unrealistic expectations about women’s appearances.
The role of dietitians extends beyond guiding individuals’ eating habits to understanding and addressing the impact of societal gender norms and body image on individuals. Compassionate and inclusive approaches help individuals accept their bodies, develop healthier eating behaviors, and overcome harmful societal norms. Dietitians occupy a critical position in driving societal transformation by questioning the pressures imposed on women’s body image and promoting a more inclusive perspective.
