In the modern era, the pursuit of an idealized body image has become a global obsession, shaped by societal norms, media influences, and evolving cultural attitudes. Driven by a quest for acceptance and validation, many find themselves grappling with issues of body image, self-esteem, and the relentless pressure to conform.

In a media briefing on April 12th, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel of experts discuss the shifting dynamics of body positivity and self-acceptance in today’s world.

Speakers

  • Dr. Susie Orbach, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and author of “Fat is a Feminist Issue”
  • Dr. Gary Goldfield, Senior Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute with the Healthy Active Living & Obesity Research Group
  • Jasmyne Cannick, race, politics, and social issues commentator and an award- winning journalist

Dr. Susie Orbach kicked off the highlighting the pervasive influence of Western beauty standards on women worldwide. She cites the case of Fiji, where the introduction of television in the 1990s led to a surge in bulimia as women sought to emulate the slim figures depicted in popular shows like “Friends.”

Orbach, author of “Fat is a Feminist Issue,” published in 1978, notes that societal pressure to conform to visual ideals has long been a concern. Her work challenged the fear associated with body size and advocated for embracing one’s natural appetite and body.

Dr. Gary Goldfield emphasizes the detrimental impact of social media on teenagers’ body image. “Social media is as addictive as drugs,” he warned. The aggressive algorithms employed by platforms like TikTok and Instagram exacerbates body image issues among adolescents, who are particularly vulnerable to social validation and rejection.

Goldfield’s research demonstrates that reducing social media consumption can significantly improve teens’ self-esteem. A study comparing teens who limited their social media use with a control group showed marked improvements in body image among the former.

Jasmyne Cannick discusses the evolving landscape of body positivity and the rise of the anti-diet movement, influenced by marketing tactics of food companies and the popularity of weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. 

She reflects on her own experiences as a black woman in an industry where appearance often dictates opportunities, highlighting the changing attitudes toward diverse body types exemplified by figures like Lizzo and Ashley Graham.

These celebrities championed body positivity by embracing their how they naturally look. However, Lizzo has recently decided to address her weight and started on Ozempic. Cannick observes this as a potential turning point in the body positivity narrative.

Orbach concluded, “can we dare to live from our bodies? Can we dare to know our appetites, really know them, and stay present for our hungers? And can we also develop our emotional appetites so that we can find real nourishment?”