Society’s lust for an ideal figure

By
Jaeneen Chung
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WEBGenXJaeneen Chung.png

Craving the need to reach the thin figure that many models seem to have is something I personally dealt with. From being 110 lbs to 120 lbs after high school and into my first semester of college was a drastic change for me. I saw myself as ugly and fat. I wanted my old self back with a splash of a picture-perfect body. 

Craving the need to reach the thin figure that many models seem to have is something I personally dealt with. From being 110 lbs to 120 lbs after high school and into my first semester of college was a drastic change for me. I saw myself as ugly and fat. I wanted my old self back with a splash of a picture-perfect body. 

Last year, I was obsessed with counting calories by only consuming 1,000 calories a day, later lowering the number as the weeks went by. My days became darker when I would consider becoming bulimic. To top it off, being introduced to weight loss supplements and consuming them every day, became a routine as well. Society reinforced this behavior that I had. Losing weight became my only focus in life which blinded me from my health and responsibilities. 

What pulled my attention was the worry of my sister and my physical health. Experiencing my first time fainting scared me into my senses. It made me realize that I have been paying more attention to my appearance than my physical, mental and emotional health. For my sister, she would repeatedly remind me that I was starving myself and how there are better options to losing weight. I could not recognize myself and what I have become. Noticing how my actions negatively affected myself and those around me, created the motivation to change. I am still currently healing from these bad habits and on the path to developing a healthier lifestyle. 

Although my story is not as harsh as others, it is still something to voice. 

Men and women feel obligated to be thin in order to be seen as beautiful, handsome or successful in today’s society. Hardly do they realize, he/she is feeding into the dangerous thought of the need to reach the “ideal” figure. 

Teenagers and young adults are struck by this concept to finally achieve self confidence in themselves. While doing so, an obstacle may occur that not only hurts themselves, but their loved ones as well. Eating disorders. 

An eating disorder is defined as, “serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life,” according to Mayoclinic.org. 

Common eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge-eating. To add on, extreme restrictive diets, overly excessive exercising, stress eating and others are also considered as an eating disorder.

Stated by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, “Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness,” (anad.org).

This is a serious condition that should no longer be ignored. It could result in malnutrition and major health issues.

Media has a ridiculously huge impact on our actions. With the power of being able to reach billions of people, it surely attacks our minds without realizing. It brainwashes teenagers and young adults into thinking that looking thin is necessary and crucial in today’s society. 

With pressure, it allows many people to believe they could achieve the unachievable. Bikini shoots and model photos shown all over social media, magazines, and advertisements are not exactly what it looks like. It goes through countless edits and touch-ups to create the flawless look. 

Trying to attain society’s unattainable picture-perfect figure, will only increase the negative emotions and abuse of the mind and body. Instead of concentrating about what is on your plate, focus on self acceptance first. Your body is not something to be ashamed of. It is something you should love and happily flaunt. Everyone comes in all shapes and sizes. That is what makes you unique and extraordinary compared to others.

If you notice someone is feeling doubtful about their weight and size, reach out and let them know they are fine just the way they are.

The process of self love takes time, but surely it is not impossible for those willing to try.

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