In the fast-paced world we live in today, social media has woven itself into nearly every part of our lives. It’s played a big role in changing the way we see beauty.
For many years, there were only a few ways to be considered beautiful. Think about Marilyn Monroe and her curvy body back in the 1950s. Compare that to the very thin models popular in the 1990s.
Every decade seemed to have its own idea of what women should look like, shaped largely by popular culture and the ads we saw everywhere. These ideas often insisted on a certain appearance.
But with things like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now, we’re seeing more diversity in what beauty can be. These platforms highlight people of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones.
This new wave of inclusivity is changing how we see ourselves, pushing past the old standards of the very thin models who once filled every magazine and TV screen.
Plus Size: The New Normal
It’s amazing to watch as more American women start to feel good about accepting their bodies and seeing beauty in all sizes. Research is showing that American women are naturally getting bigger than they used to be.
A report in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education is challenging our ideas of what’s considered “average.”
In the not-so-distant past, the average woman was thought to be a size 14. But the latest studies are revealing different numbers. Most American women today are wearing between size 16 and 18 in misses, translating to a plus size 20W for women.
There’s been a noted increase in waist size too, rising from an average of 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over two decades.
Susan Dunn, one of the key researchers, mentioned in an interview with Today, “We hope this information helps women get a clearer picture of self-image. And, importantly, that clothing brands realize these sizes aren’t going anywhere, and women should have a range of clothing options available.”
She added, “Clothes should fit nicely with style and measurements, and they should be easy to find in stores, not just online or tucked away in the back.”
Understanding the Rise in Size for American Women
Statistics now show that the average American woman is larger than in the past. According to the CDC, the average woman’s weight today is around 170.6 pounds, which is a jump from the 140-pound average back in the 1960s.
Beyond Just Appearance
Social media has left a big mark on our lives—helping us connect with others, learn new things, and get used to change. While it’s brought many good things like closer ties and easy access to information, it also has its drawbacks.
It quietly impacts lifestyle changes that can be linked to a rise in obesity rates, which the World Health Organization confirms have doubled since 1990.
Social media can sometimes promote habits that might not be the best or encourage a more sedentary way of living, which can lead to weight gain. Embracing fuller figures is a positive movement, but the Mayo Clinic cautions that obesity is more than a concern with appearances.
“Obesity is a medical condition with ties to several health challenges” these are words from the clinic referencing the 2.5 billion adults around the globe who are overweight. Health risks include heart problems, diabetes, increased blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels, liver issues, sleep apnea, and certain types of cancer.
Ultimately, beauty isn’t about fitting a particular mold. It’s about celebrating what makes us unique. Social media spreads this message widely, and if we use it thoughtfully, it can keep on improving beauty standards in ways that truly matter.
Your thoughts matter! What do you think about how social media is changing our views on beauty? Feel free to share your ideas, and maybe get your friends involved in the discussion!
