The new norm for American women is plus size: they are large and attractive

In addition to revolutionising almost every facet of contemporary life, social media has significantly impacted beauty standards, per a study.

Women’s beauty standards have historically been very specific. With every generation, the ideal body shape has evolved, from Marilyn Monroe’s curves in the 1950s to the waifish forms of supermodels in the 1990s. Nevertheless, one theme remained constant: pop culture and advertising frequently imposed a singular ideal on women.

But beauty standards have never been more varied thanks to social media. Creators of all shapes, sizes, and colours may be found on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. People’s perceptions of their own bodies are changing as a result of this inclusiveness movement, and for the first time, viewers are seeing representation in mainstream media that goes beyond size 0 models.

Interestingly, studies show that American women are becoming larger than ever before as they embrace size inclusivity and body positivity. A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education claims that the definition of “average” has changed.

According to the survey, “contrary to popular assumptions, the average American woman’s (AAW’s) clothing size is larger than anticipated.” Previously, American women were informed that the typical size was 14.

According to the report, “the average American woman wears between a misses size 16 to 18, which corresponds to a women’s plus size 20W.” It also found that over the past 20 years, the average waist size has gone from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches.

We hope that both industry and consumers will be able to use this information. Many women’s self-images can be improved simply by knowing the average, Susan Dunn, one of the study’s principal specialists, told Today. “And we hope that the clothing industry will see the numbers and realise that these women are here to stay and that they deserve to be clothed.”

It’s still debatable, she continues, “that the clothes should fit well, both in terms of style and measurements, and be available somewhere other than back corners or only online.”

The average American woman is now larger than she was in earlier decades, according to statistics. The average American woman now weighs approximately 170.6 pounds, up from 140 pounds in the 1960s, according to the CDC. A number of variables are responsible for this trend:

Changes in Lifestyle:
The availability of processed meals, sedentary work, and increased calorie intake are all significant factors.

Cultural Shifts:
There is less social pressure to excessively diet as larger bodies are respected and appreciated.

Genetics and Environment:
Body sizes are influenced by both genetics and environmental variables, including stress and access to wholesome nutrients.

Unquestionably, social media has altered how we interact, shop, and live. Although there are numerous benefits to its influence, such increased worldwide connectedness and information availability, it also has a negative side: it has a small but substantial role in the rise in obesity rates, which the World Health Organisation says have doubled since 1990.

Social media contributes to the development of lifestyles that can result in weight gain by promoting unhealthy habits and sedentary behaviour. The Mayo Clinic cautions that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern,” even though large may be attractive.

According to the clinic, “it’s a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases and health problems.” Overweight affects 2.5 billion persons worldwide. “Health problems include liver disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnoea, and some types of cancer.”

In the end, being beautiful is about embracing one’s uniqueness rather than conforming to a stereotype. Social media is spreading that message, and with careful application, it can keep redefining beauty standards in ways that are uplifting.

How do you feel about social media’s impact on ideals of beauty? Tell us what you think, and then tell your friends about this story so we can hear from them.