Skinny Society

When did my generation become so obsessed with health?

We all know that popular body types go through cycles. In the 1920's, women were expected to be thin and flat. In the 1950's a trim but fuller figure was the ideal. By the early 2000's, we had begun to praise the "heroin-chic" look, which was almost emaciated in how thin models and celebrities were. Then, in the 2010's, the voluptuous curves of women like the Kardashians were chased after with surgeries and workout routines designed to target the building of hips and glutes and breasts.

Now, however, we are shifting back. Much like earth's climate, bodies go through phases and, if being bigger was an interglacial, we are starting to freeze over toward being thin once more. So, what are the reasons? As someone who has lost over 130 pounds myself, I have a few theories.

First, the introduction of Ozempic and other weight loss tools. Today, more than ever before, weight loss has become accessible. Overcoming natural cravings and biological limitations, people can lose weight and are eager to--we can all agree society treats thinner folks much better than they do bigger folks. Naturally, this shift has led us to more extremes. Where more people can be thin, the extremes become roads models and celebrities are taking to be unique and establish beauty standards that they fit. Thus, comes the return of that "heroin-chic" look Gen Z grew up with.

My other theory is more traditional: that we would inevitably regress to valuing thinness. We had been on the trend of desiring curves and fuller figures for a decade and, as human nature tends to prove, we would have no choice but to go in the other direction.

Whatever the reason behind it, the implications are interesting to consider. In a world where more and more people can be thin, will we turn back to being bigger as a display of status and uniqueness? Or, will bodies stop being the subject of intense criticism in place of something else? Time will only tell...