When Irecently came across a website solely devoted to rumors of celebrity weight gain, celebrity dietsand celebrity weight loss (mostly women's weight loss, of course), I was struck by the seemingly innocuousdisclaimer of the website(which I will not promote by naming).Itreads “All content on this website should be considered harmless speculation and gossip.”
Harmless?
That'scertainly debatable. Study after study shows the detrimental effects of celebrity weight obsession in the media to young women's self-esteemand body image.
Body hatred is a learned phenomenon (read Body Hated is Learned), and celebrity gossip websites such as these, which ridicule famous, beautiful and accomplished women for a slight bulge here and there is a insidious self-hate training ground.
While readers may 'entertain' themselves by reading such drivel in the short-term, over timethe criticism turns inward as women tend to start judging themselves by the same impossible beauty standards they witness in the media.
Three Resolutions for Positive Body Image in the New Year
Don't contribute to the problem. Reduce or eliminate visits/purchasesof websites and magazines that treat women's weight lossas a spectator sport.
Be a force for change. You can take action by obtaining a Turn Beauty Inside Out (TBIO) kit, which helps teens, parents and educators build awareness and promote positive body images in young women.
Be a postivie example.Learn techniques to help build a better body image for yourself and to set a positive example for other loved ones in your life. A great booktoconsider isThe Body Image Workbook: An 8-Step Program for Learing to Like Your Looks by, Thomas F. Cash, Ph.D.
Best wishes for a Bright, Healthy, and Happy New Year!
aweightlifted.blogs.com
