According
to a national survey, fewer American women set a New Year’s Resolution to diet
in 2013. Since the early 90s women made the largest group of New Year’s
dieters. The number of women who say they're dieting has dropped significantly in
the past ten years.
Has the
social concept of body image changed in America or something else? What do you
think accounts for this dramatic change in national dieting trends?
Megan C. 21
ReplyDeleteIn my humble opinion, I believe that the social concept of body image in America has in fact changed. It appears that women are more inclined to embrace their curves, rather than to curse them. It is becoming the norm for one to be accepting to her body type, rather than to take drastic measures to change it. As a "curvy" woman myself, I cannot say matter-of-factly that this is the case of all American women. Just, as I said earlier, my humble opinion!
Leightonia B. 12
DeleteI agree with you on the statement you made about women beginning to accept their body types. As more and more women are becoming educated about healthy living, they comprehend the process it takes to live a healthier lifestyle. In my opinion, the understanding that not all women have the same body structure is starting to help them appreciate their bodies more. The perception that you have to be a size 0 in order to be considered healthy is beginning to change. Now it is being accepted the size 0 may be healthy for one woman, whereas being a size 10 may be healthier for another.
Porchia H. Online 10
DeleteI agree! As in the post I wrote, I think that for normal American women that is true. But I believe that with certain groups in American (i.e. the rich and/or famous) the opposite applies. Women in those groups are still in the same state of mind that the women were of old. Even women who are in the spot light who do have curves and embrace them still have surgery in some form or are conscience of their weight in another. Not to say that this is the case for all women in these groups, but I am in the opinion that it is true for most of them.
Megan N. 08
DeleteI completely agree when you same women are embracing their curves instead of cursing them. Women look at themselves only as others would. They will decide whether they are good enough for the world's cruel views. Looking at the dieting trends and the obesity rate, women don't feel so bad about themselves anymore.
Trina H.12
ReplyDeleteAs health awareness progresses, it appears that there is less dieting and more education. Different body types are accepted, and America is leaning toward healthier lifestyles. This would include eating more natural, wholesome, less processed foods, as well as exercize. This may be due to better education to prevent heart disease and stroke. People are being educated by their doctors about better nutrition. Insurance companies are giving incentives for subscribers to have biometric screenings, which increase awareness. It's less about being smaller in the waist, and more about what we are doing to keep our bodies healthier to live longer.
John M.o8
DeleteYou have a good point that people in the U.S. are becoming more educated on how to have a better diet, and to make healthier decisions. It's a shame that even though people are becoming more educated on the subject that ,for the most part, they are still choosing to stay with their unhealthy lifestyles.
Amy H-08 in response to Trina H.12
DeleteI agree with the change from dieting to living a healthier lifestyle. Diets are meant to fail. Choosing a healthier lifestyle, eating better diets and being educated about our bodies enables us to succeed and maintain, hopefully for life.
CHuck M.10
ReplyDeleteWhen You take a look at the original pinup girls of the 30s 40s and even the 50s one certain aspect is note worthy. Research shows that a females attractiveness is the curve. Women with a waist circumference that is 70% of the hip circumference are more attractive by many men and women Such diverse beauty icons as Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren and the Venus de Milo all have round full voluptuous curves.
Eric B.12
ReplyDeleteI do not think the social concept of body image has changed just yet. If we look at models and movie stars being 'super skinny' is still a prevalent image. I do think, however that personal education or body image has changed among women. The knowledge that weight can be a healthy thing and being 'movie star skinny' is not healthy.
Maricela E. 10 in response to Eric B. 12
DeleteI totally agree with you. To me a lot of the "Beautyful" actresses look UNHEALTHLY. Showing off your bones is not atractive.
John M.08
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that the social concept of body image has changed in America. If you were to ask most people in the U.S. if they would rather be "skinny" or "fat", I believe most people would say that they want to be skinny because that is typically associated with being healthy. As for why I think the national diet trends have changed so much in the past ten years,I think it is because the obesity rate in the past ten years has increased dramatically. With more people becoming obese, it can cause a large self esteem drop for these individuals. This then may result in them not worrying about or hiding from the fact that they are obese, which in turn could result less New Year's resolution to get fit for the new year.
Eric B.12
DeleteThat is an interesting way to look at it, with a higher obesity rate there are more people trying to ignore their weight and thus less resolutions.
Natasha E. Online 12.
DeleteYou said it perfectly.
Leightonia B.12
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that the social concept of body image has completely changed. I believe that there are a couple reasons why the number of women dieters has decreased. In my opinion, one of the reasons for the decrease may be because of the economy. Many families were forced into survival mode when the economy declined, so the focus became about providing for their families, and dieting was pushed to the bottom of their priority list. I also believe that since the media has began to scrutinize the unhealthy extremes that skinny models are taking; more women are becoming more comfortable with their own bodies. Many women are beginning to realize that looking like a skeleton is not healthy or attractive.
Jordanna C.21
ReplyDeleteI think that America has changed a little bit on how they view diet. The media still portrays skinny is better, but then it also portrays food is great. So it seems like a bit of contradiction. Women are going to wish for nicer bodies. I believe most women would love to look like the Victoria Secret Model, but less willing to work on it. As seen through the number of people putting it on their resolution. The average Americans seem to be accepting of all shapes and sizes since it seems to be the normal nowadays.
I would have to agree with you about your viewpoint on this topic. The media is always contradicting themselves. With America being such a melting pot of many cultures, ethnicities and beliefs where skinny isn't always what you should strive to be, its more important to be healthy and you can achieve that without having to lose a ton of weight.
DeleteI think that the concept of beauty has changed over time. Don't get me wrong, it is still the thing for women to be slim and there are a million diets that try to achieve that, but I also believe that the idea of being curvy is becoming more attractive to women of the 21st century. People are becoming more content with the body the have and don't want to put in the time to be a size two.
ReplyDeleteAnthony H. 15
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I think that the social concept has changed overtime. America is offering more opportunities for people to change their everyday lifestyles. Examples would be such as "cheaper gym memberships" as well as exercise/food nutrition commercials every 10 minutes. Everyone wants to live a healthy lifestyle so that they may live longer as well as play and keep up with there younger children.
I do believe the social concept of body image has changed. I think that women are being encouraged more and more that you can be healthy and beautiful and still have curves. Despite the images portrayed by models, I believe that women are realizing that they can be attractive and live a healthy lifestyle without feeling like they have to adapt to an unnecessary standard.
ReplyDeleteBola T. online 12
DeleteI agree with you because living a healthy lifestyle is more important than how one looks. However, some women believe that a woman can be attractive and still have a curve as you rightly said, but they forget the need to control the size of the curve through their diet.
Marcia W 82
ReplyDeletein reply to Eric, the image has changed, women realize that the skinny girl on the magazine cover is big business for the advertising market. As someone who is a exercise buff myself, I believe that we should always try to be the best in terms of our health. You only have one you and taking care of self by exercise and eating right and drinking a lot of water,with rest will pay off in the long run. Be bless all.
Mattias E.
ReplyDeleteI do think that the concepts of body image has in fact changed because as more and more Americans become more curved or overweight, the concept of a female attractive body will change as well (slowly over time of course, not just in one day). I personally excercise to avoid weight gain now and for the rest of my life, because not only is it healthier, but it allows for more physical activity. As society slowly becomes more reliant on machines and supermarkets to supply their daily needs, humans will continue to eat the amount of food evolution determined necessary to survive some time ago, but due to lack of excercise, well, we become our own worst enemy.
Mattias E, 41210
DeleteSorry :)
Cori S. 10
ReplyDeleteI believe a very significant amount of people say that they are going to lose weight as their new year's resolution, but how many actually do it? Not very many and the one's who actually did were most likely dieting before the new year. I don't believe the trends and the way people see themselves have anything to do women not making dieting their new year's resolution. When asked seriously people did not try to tell themselves that they were going to lose weight when they knew that they were going to diet for a week and quit.
Bylia J.08
ReplyDeleteI believe that people try to change there apperence to fit with what the media consider attractive. Media has a way of affecting the train of thought of individual...If the media would focus more on nice looking healthy women and express how beautiful they are , I do believe that less woman would make weight lost a new years resolution.
Cori s. 10 comment to bylia J.
DeleteI completely I agree with you. I personally pay a lot of attention to magazines and celebrities and compare my self accordingly, but I do not know if it would change the need to be thin and in shape as easily as you make it seem.
j
ReplyDeleteChuck M. Online 10
ReplyDeleteReference to Derek S
After my 1st west pac onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 when woman 1st started to take duty onboard Ships underway it was not the little skinny petite Ladies onboard the ship but healthy strong and very attractive ladies It was then the deference between what was honestly attractive and what was just an illusion of beauty I’m sorry I just couldn’t imagine a cover girl size 2/3 in a Navy Uniform.
Megan M. Online 12 in response to Chuck M. Online 10
DeleteI couldnt agree with you more. I think that the image of a healthier, stronger woman is becoming more and more socially acceptable these days. Coming from a girl that is pushing 110 I think my boyfriend finds it very unattractive when I cant lift 6 pounds.
Megan M. Online 12
ReplyDeleteI think that body image in America has absolutley changed. The recent Dove campaign and the "Love My Curves" campaign has really proved notion. A lot of women nowadays are discarding their image of the Victoria Secret models and embracing a more "curvy" image or more so a "normal" image.
People are realizing more and more every day that the stick thin model look just isnt healthy. I think it has a lot to due with some of the popular documentaries on eating disorders, such as 'Thin' or any of the more recent Intervention episodes.
I think Jennifer Lawrence (star from The Hunger Games) is a true role model to the new "normal" look and is considered one of Hollywoods heaviest stars right now.
Trina H 12 in response to Megan M 12
DeleteYes, it is now known that eating disorders were prevalent even several years ago with some celebrities. The fact that Americans can now feel good about themselves and be a realistic size 10 that eats healthy, excercises, and enjoys life speaks volumes to these poor young ladies that think they must lose that weight to be accepted. It just no longer is so. We must be balanced physically and mentally. Nutrition knowledge is key, along with exercising.
Steve C. Online 12 response to Megan M.
DeleteAs much as I would like to believe that, all I see when walking through the check-out line is the praise celebrities get for losing weight. Fine example, Jennifer Hudson. An attractive woman has lost a good amount of weight and she is now the face of weight watchers encouraging others that we can all get skinny together.
Megan M. Online 12 response to Steve C.
DeleteVery good point Steve. But even when the majority of the world's views might be changing, there will still be the group that thinks 108 pounds is sexy.
I mean I praise the fact that Jennifer Hudson lost as much weight as she did, because she was unhealthy before. I think anyone who was once obese should always be praised for shrinking to a healthy weight. But as in my example there will even still be people that see Jennifer Lawrence, who is at a beautifully healthy weight, as "fat".
The new standard is certainly not going to change the world, but a few less women are starving themselves nowadays.
Bret S 12
ReplyDeleteI believe that women in todays times are seeing that they don't have to be a skinny model to fit into society. These days there are more and more ads directed at the "normal" woman. This is showing them that they are beautiful with a few curves and a nice booty other and being skinny and flat. If a woman can eat health and excercise there is no reason she cant feel good about herself being in a size bigger than a zero.
Bret S 12 Comment to..
ReplyDelete"Eric B.12
I do not think the social concept of body image has changed just yet. If we look at models and movie stars being 'super skinny' is still a prevalent image. I do think, however that personal education or body image has changed among women. The knowledge that weight can be a healthy thing and being 'movie star skinny' is not healthy."
If you were to look into this more in the past year there has been many ads that have been released into the media directed more at the "normal" woman. In stores there have been more of a push to get clothing to better accomidate that woman. There are skinny actresses but I believe that times may not have completly changed yet, they are in the middle of change.
Maricela E. 10
ReplyDeleteLike alot of you I agree that the way women view themselfs has changed. I have some curves and I have always embraced them. Growing up with sisters that were never a size 7 like me and never got any bigger then a 3, I knew it would be crazy for me to try and be like them. when clearly we did not have the same body type. I love myself and in my opinion thats where a Healthy life style starts.
Heather L. Online 08
DeleteI myself am also as size 7 and I couldn't agree with you more that by loving yourself you start living a healthy happy lifestyle. People should start appreciating themselves more and not worry so much about what society and the rest of the world thinks of them. That is what leads to starvation, depression, and other such health problems.
Greetings. Nice start here. Please remember to add you name and crn otherwise you will NOT get credit for the work.
ReplyDeleteTom
Heather L. Online 08
ReplyDeleteI honestly know of a lot of girls who have made their New Years resolutions of dieting; Me being one of those. And it's not that we are unhappy with our body's, it is just that we want to start eating better by consuming less junk food and more healthier things; things that give us energy and help burn calories. I do believe that the social concept of body image in America is changing. I think that society is starting to appreciate "curves" more rather than the "skinny bone showing" appearance. I believe that eating right and working out are a good approach to a healthy lifestyle. Starving yourself and looking anorexic is something completely different and I believe that America is starting to stray away from this distasteful body image.
Selena C.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the way people veiw themselves and each other have changed a great deal over the years. Women used to think that they had to be rail thin to be beautiful, but now women are embracing their thicker,curvier bodies. I have also noticed that men are embracing these body types more as well. Over the years more full figured models are walking runways and are in the magazines. There are also more "plus size" name brand designers that only used to make single digit sizes!!
Raygan D.06
ReplyDeleteI think that the social view of weight has started to take a turn but has not changed completly. If asked the majority will still agree that a woman who is thin is far more attractive than a woman who is "plus sized". But with the spread of education women are becoming more aware of just how unhealthy the supposed "supermodel look" really is.
Raygan D. Online 08
ReplyDeleteI think that the social view of weight has started to take a turn but has not changed completly. If asked the majority will still agree that a woman who is thin is far more attractive than a woman who is plus sized. But with the spread of education women are becoming more aware of just how unhealthy the supposed "supermodel look" really is.
(Please forgive the second posting)
Yes, the social concept of body image has changed. It appears to me that thin is in, and on the other hand fat, is sexy. But now days people are concerned with dieting just to stay away from health issues. People go to the Doctor, and he tells them that they need to start dieting because they are over weight. I guess that is a good reason to do so. The dramatic change is that people want to be thin because its popular, and we all want to look good.
ReplyDeleteSonya R. 08
ReplyDeleteIt appears that the social concept of body image has changed. Thin is is , and on the other hand fat is wack. But these days people try to keep up with the trend of dieting because everyone else is doing it. The dramatic change is that people want to be thin because it is popular, and we all want to look good.
SR 08
Lucinda S 08
ReplyDeleteQuite honestly people in general are worn out with the diet industry. The fact that the biggest consumer of diet products are purchased by women in the month of January. We all are looking for the fresh start, the motivation, the new sexier me. But with that new start we put our good health at risk.
New Year's resolutions are great and they do provide us with a starting point, but diets are out, and the new focus is on the healthier side providing good health can be sexier.
Lucinda S online 08
ReplyDeleteIn reply to Chuck M 10
Now your comments are right on, women were accepted for their true beauty and their bodies weren't altered with alot of plastic. New Year's Resolution 2013:
Be happy, be healthy and be curvy!
Jessica H
ReplyDeleteI think that instead of "dieting" people are "eating healthier." I think that some women feel the need to follow the popular trends and since the eating disorders of Hollywood have been exposed and frowned upon, eating and being healthier is the newest trend. Because of this, I think that women are still trying to lose weight but they are just calling it "getting healthy."
Marie P. 08 Online Response to Jessica H.
DeleteYou are totally right about this. It is not just about dieting, it is mostly about eating healthier and exercise. I have seen more and more women walking and running in the park all because of one reason; to loose the extra pounds. I call that self motivation.
I agree with this post as well. OI did not view it this way until I read your post.
DeleteBola T. online 12
ReplyDeleteI think the dramatic change in national dieting trends is as a result of change in concept of attraction. Some people believe that fat women are more attractive than slim women, which was not so before. Now, some fat women feel comfortable with their size and with time lost the sense of what a normal size should look like. Also some people are discouraged because of the small size reduction they observe during their dieting; they want a total reduction of size in one day.
Michelle L. Online 08
ReplyDeletei think the social concept of body image changed in America dramatially. i think the women in our society are unhappy with how they look and their weight. The "skinny" women exercise less and eat more to get that "curvy-ness" and The more heavy set are trying to eat less and exercise more to achieve the "skinny look". Noones is happy with their weight in my opinion.
Raygan D. Online 08 in response to Michelle L. Online 08
DeleteI have to say i agree with this statement completely and that it is in human nature. As humans we are always trying to achieve greater things to be better to achieve perfection in what we do and in ourselves. When in fact this is an unrealistic goal. Many people are trying to hard to become something that does not exist and therefore cannot be happy with themselves as they are.
In my opinion I believe that many woman are in fact learning to accept their individual body types. Many woman are no longer trying to conform to the typical "barbie" figure and standards that society places on them. In addition, many woma are not trying to diet or loose weight, they are simply trying to become more healthy. and Becoming more healthy doesn't mean to loose weight but it could be for that individual to wlk 2 times a week or eat more greens. whatever the case for that particular woman.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is a very interesting dynamic going on in our country. In times past, it was socially unacceptable, and undesirable, for women to be over weight. A huge emphasis was placed on a woman's appearance. Women were even to get dressed and do their hair and make up even if their only task that day was to stay at home and clean. This of course was to mostly appease men, and fit a social stereotype. Now, however, we are amongst years after a feminist movement. Its my opinion that the tables have now turned! There is a certain group of women (models, movie stars, adult film actresses) who are expected to maintain a certain weight and appearance, however, your normal everyday American woman may now do as she pleases. She can be overweight, never put on make up, never dress nicely, and it will all be socially fine. I am also of the opinion that instead of women keeping up their appearance as a way of proving good upbringing, and being an upright woman who cares about herself and pleasing her husband, we now have a stigma of doing so in order to be "sexy" and attract attention from men. Almost every add that contains a woman has this element when you look at it. I am only 20, and obviously I was not alive when my grandmother was young to observe how things were in the olden days. But by my observation, the lessening of God in our country, the independence that the feminist movement gave to men, and the pressure for women to be sexy is changing the way we as women view ourselves, as well as what being attractive means. I also think that as a country we are growing to be "fatter". And I believe that instead of pushing to live by a healthy weight, we have changed what is socially acceptable in an efforts to not change our desires to eat what we want, when we want. The weight that has been put on women in the past to be a certain weight, and that be for health reasons, adds to our country not pushing it now; but instead, we go to the opposite extreme and say that it is okay to be whatever weight you'd like, not considering the health risks involved.
ReplyDeleteI forgot my info!
DeletePorchia H. Online 10
Emilee A. 12
ReplyDeleteI think that America has changed somewhat. It still sterotypes people but I think that the way the average eye views women has changed and sees the new "trend" for women is not to "die"t but to be healthy. For most, myself included, that might mean just teaching your family to eat and live a healthy lifestyle but to still enjoy life. I'm a mother of 2 and going to the gym for a couple hours a day or few days a week isn't always in the cards. But playing basektball for 30min with my 10yr old and walking while my 2yr old rides his tricycle is deffinatly in! The real American woman is not a size 0. Women have learned to accept themselves and embrace their bodies.
Emilee A. 12 in response to Heather L. Online 08
ReplyDeleteI agree that a womans curves are more acceptable. And no, you are right, dieting does not mean that we, as women, are unhappy with our looks. It's the simple fact that we want to practice a healthy lifestyle and by doing so it is changing our appearance. But we aren't just making these changes for ourselves, we are making them for our families and loved ones too. Those that are around us all the time will see the changes we are making and in time this I feel will help make America healthier.
Nate B. T/R 6pm
ReplyDeleteI don't think the American view of what "looks good" has changed at all in the past few decades. What I think has changed are the people making New Years resolutions for weight loss.
I think through their many failed attempts they have earned what psychologists call a "Learned Helplessness" towards loosing weight at the start of the new year.
Natasha E. Online. 12
ReplyDeleteOver the past years it has been, you are skinny or obese/fat. The has been no medium for women. America has been judging to harsh for woman and they cant feel comfortable in their own body. It seems that women want to become healthy and start diets so they can feel good about themselves. Women are starting to take a stand this year. America need to learn that everybody does not have the same body type, some are going to be larger than others. it is not our place to judge, because our body is not perfect.
Reply to Natasha E. online 12 I agree that the media has made women feel like they have to be skinny. I feel that a woman should be happy in her own skin and to know that as you stated in your reply that we are all different in shapes and size.
DeleteMegan N. 08
ReplyDeleteThe social concept of image and beauty has vastly changed over time, but so have most people's diets. I don't know many people who haven't stopped by a fast food establishment when on their way to work for a quick bite to eat. As communities invite more quick, easy restaurants into their shopping centers the dramatic changes in our dieting trends will keep escalating. Starting a diet is nearly impossible for most people because the greasy, extra large environment that we seem to all be swirly around in. Growing up around and seeing overweight people in movies and magazines have encouraged women to embrace the body they have been blessed with.
I feel that the social concept of body image has definitely changed. I have seen women in my age group(30's)go from dieting and exercising, trying to mirror the hollywood stars to not dieting and exercising because there is the booming market of plastic surgery, it's faster and you can look better quicker than with diet and exercise.
ReplyDeleteCynthia H 44 online
ReplyDeleteI feel that the social concept of body image has definitely changed. I have seen women in my age group(30's)go from dieting and exercising, trying to mirror the hollywood stars to not dieting and exercising because there is the booming market of plastic surgery, it's faster and you can look better quicker than with diet and exercise.
Mandy B. Online 10
ReplyDeleteI feel that in some ways the social concept of body image has changed. Curvier women are more recognized as the 'normal' woman than they were just a few years ago. Women are learning to embrace what they have been given and are not as pressured to be Hollywood skinny. Although there are countless dieting trends, I think the focus now is more on being healthy overall.
Beatrice W 34 In response to Mandy B. 10
DeleteI do agree with you, but nowadays when you are not skinny people categorize you as not being healthy. They assume you don't take in time to go work out as the others. In Some situations "curvy" women are considered to be the right shape in some peoples eyes but others they may not think that too. But in general as long as you know that you eat healthy, then other peoples opinions really don't matter.
Tatrika H.12
ReplyDeleteBody image is a complicated aspect that concerns an individual's perceptions about their body and physical appearance. The concern over weight and dieting often surfaces in the development of women, and continues throughout the lifespan. Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating patterns are especially usual in adolescent and college females; it only becomes an issue once you've experienced puberty. Overall, diets have made a dramatic change simply because of food selections. The most prominent diet trends are organic and gluten-free. Girls who desire to be thinner are within the normal weight range for their age. Most women cannot fulfill a functional diet consistently, which causes their weight to become unstable.
I strongly agree. Women are influenced by the seasonality and locality of foods. Women fail to realize that we must build a meal plan around foods are offer more than taste and calories. Being healthy is a PROCESS, but in order to make PROGRESS you must remain consistent and maintain a stable weight.
ReplyDeleteTatrika H.12 In response to Bola T.12
DeleteI strongly agree. Women are influenced by the seasonality and locality of foods. Women fail to realize that we must build a meal plan around foods are offer more than taste and calories. Being healthy is a PROCESS, but in order to make PROGRESS you must remain consistent and maintain a stable weight.
Cristina H. 01
ReplyDeleteI believe that beauty is in what makes you happy. Whether being small or large, tall or short. If being overweight makes you happy then let it be, or if exercising makes you happy let it be.
As far as resolutions, I personally don't believe just because it is a new year that I need to change my weight or lifestyle. If I gained weight or lose weight it will because I choose to at the time I wanted to.
Megan C.21 In Response to Christina H.01
DeleteI completely agree with everything your post implies!
If someone is content with the way they look, that should be their own choice!
Tashanda S. Online 21 in response to Christina H. 01
DeleteI agree with your post 100%. People now are mostly concerned with their own opinion of themselves rather than how others perceive them. Confidence is key, if you are happy with yourself that is all that should matter.
Adetola M.10
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with you regarding your statement about women accepting their body shapes now. I believe women are now been enligthen properly on appreciating how they look. The social concept of changing body images has sent some people to early grave due to complication after surgeries.
Tracy Herman 01 I believe now days that woman are not as worried about weight as they use to be. They are accepting themselves the way they are and dieting now days is more geared towards health issues, in my opinion. Myself as a heavier woman am more worried about health issues than image.
ReplyDeleteAdetola M. In response to Trina H.12
ReplyDeleteI agree with you opinion on the aspect that poeople has been given a lot of education by their doctor towards living a healthier lifestyle. Eating right, taking nature food, less of process food and exercising can keep the body in good curve that you aspire. I am a living witness to that, i eat right, exercise and my body states in shape.
Beatrice W 34
ReplyDeleteAmericans weigh more than they think. There are plenty of programs designed to help people lose weight. I think one of the barriers in engaging in those healthy behaviors is believing you don't need to implement in your life. If people aren't accepting, they are not going to be motivated to loose weight or maintain their healthy weight.
Jessica S Online 12
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the concept of body image has changed. I think people have been more educated on what is healthy and not healthy. People have realized you don't need to be a size zero to be in shape. In my opinion women have more confidence in themselves with all the commericals; like dove and the enjoy your curves, embracing the "normal" body size instead of girls being super skinny.
Jessica S. Online 12
ReplyDeleteIn response to Cynthia H 44 online, I think your wrong a lot of women that I know would rather excerise and eat healthier than to have surgery, mostly because who really wants scar tissue. I am only 23 though, people in my age group are active and it is easier for us to do it the natural way and a lot cheaper.
Mandy B. Online 10 in response to Cristina H. 01
ReplyDeleteI really like what you said about beauty being about what makes you happy. I completely agree that beauty and happiness come from within. It took me a lot of years, but I have finally learned to look in the mirror, within myself, and be happy with the person looking back at me.
Tate F. Online 08
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the social concept of body image has changed in America. Women are now more worried about their health and feeling good about themselves rather than try to become skinny. Women are starting to show their curves off more and be bappy about them. The media has taken a huge toll on the change in national dieting trends. You always see commercials on TV about being healthy and fit. People definitely watch those and it pursues them to do what they feel with their body.
Tate F. Online 08
ReplyDeleteIn response to Heather L. Online 08
I definitely agree with your comment. I believe women eat healthier to feel healthier, not just to lose weigh. Women are more worried about their health rather than trying to be the "skin and bones" figure. I agree that the healthy look is back in style instead of being very skinny. The choice people make with food has changed from going out to eat and buying junk food to eating at home and watching what they eat.
I think that women are now focused on becoming more healthy and that doesn't always mean losing weight. It seems to me that the concept of making a resolution once a year has lost it's appeal; many women make a commitment to their health on a daily basis rather than waiting for the New Year to change. It is about changing a lifestyle vs. setting a short term goal.
ReplyDeleteGiana Deleon
DeleteAs optimistic as that is I do not believe that is all truths. We would like to believe that we are trying to be healthier but we (Americans) are struggling with obesity. There is a great percentage more of Americans who are obese now verses 20 years ago. That is not as healthy as we like to think. We are a nation that is less active as life becomes more convenient for us with so many cheap places to stop and eat that do not produce positive health habits. So I would like to see it as you but I do not. I do not feel women especially are striving for health and being fit over settling for a good cheap meal and not being active.
I personally believe body image is at an all-time high. However, there has been a shift in the most popular way to get desired results. In the 90's and early millennia dieting was a pop- culture craze. However, today if you turn on the television anytime from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., does not matter the channel, there is an at-home fitness infomercial airing. The ad comes complete with a likable fitness celebrity instructor and personal interviews from customers explaining how they have lost weight and feel better/sexier than ever. This regenerated business concept not only delivers the weight loss and fitness goals it proclaims, it also provides potential customers a sense of belonging to a certain group, brave enough to take on the challenge. As far as New Year’s resolutions, it wouldn’t surprise me to see an increase in personal fitness goals directly correlating with the decrease in dieting.
ReplyDeleteSteve C. online 12
ReplyDeleteI personally believe body image is at an all-time high. However, there has been a shift in the most popular way to get desired results. In the 90's and early millennia dieting was a pop- culture craze. However, today if you turn on the television anytime from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., does not matter the channel, there is an at-home fitness infomercial airing. The ad comes complete with a likable fitness celebrity instructor and personal interviews from customers explaining how they have lost weight and feel better/sexier than ever. This regenerated business concept not only delivers the weight loss and fitness goals it proclaims, it also provides potential customers a sense of belonging to a certain group, brave enough to take on the challenge. As far as New Year’s resolutions, it wouldn’t surprise me to see an increase in personal fitness goals directly correlating with the decrease in dieting.
Briana S. online (CRN: 41212)
ReplyDeleteI believe that in America, their is a lot of pressure from not only the media but also from our peers, to look a certain way. However that is nothing new. I believe that the creators of diets and health programs are now going for the "health/ organic" approach when it comes to getting consumers to buy food. That being said, consumers are educating themselves on having a balance diet and realizing that in order to change the way you look or feel, you have to change your lifestyle. So that means not only choosing healthy foods while your on a diet but always choosing the right foods. More and more people are realizing that in order to stay in good health, which good health is what the media is pushing on consumers these days makes people realize that having a lower body weight or looking a certain way does not mean that one is healthy or happy. Instead by eating a balanced diet and staying active will help you to be not only healthy but also satisfied.
CiCi S.10
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that their are less women "dieting" due to the change of the social understanding of what a diet is. For example, when the South Beach diet first hit society everyone was crazy about it because really was not a diet. The South Beach diet taught men and women of all ages how to change their regular eating habits for a better life style of health including weight loss. The plan was a new way of eating and not a temporary diet. People are proud to say they are eating better and making healthier choices; not I am on a diet because I am overweight.
Camden S. 12
DeleteI do agree with you that diets were a big reason for societies change but honestly i think that is why people have started weighing more. What i mean by that is i think dieting is a hassle in peoples eyes thus they eat unhealthy because they dont want to make the effort to keep up with a diet.
Pretty much women feel more secure, they are not looking to impress any more, including myself we feel happy with our body. At the end of the day, whoever chooses to go on a diet is doing it for health purposes males and females, I think we are on a decade where health is more important for women than looking fat if we feel fine then we look fine, we don't care as much looking skinny to please somebody else, if we excersice, diet or eath healthier if because of ourselves. EV*
ReplyDeleteEV* in response to CHuck M.10
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree! females look much better with some meat and curves, not obese but comfortables with their curves.
Giana Deleon
ReplyDeleteI do not believe the social concept of body image has changed in America because in the social media women are thinner and though there are those who are idols who maybe over weight, the ideal media image is of a thinner figure. As far as anything else the social media advertises, they are more of a materialistic view of images. They even share pointers (tips and tricks) on how to look thinner in certain types of clothes. They just give materialistic ways (like what’s hot in the season to wear) to cover the thick or fat to create a thin illusion. So the image of social media in my opinion is always to acquire a thinner look.
When it comes to the dramatic change in national dieting trends I believe is because the convenience of life has simplified making Americans a tad bit lazier than a decade or two ago. We have more fast food restaurants for our convenience if we don’t feel like cooking a home cooked meal compared to how many fast food restaurants we had 10 to 20 years ago. More people in my generation simply do not cook period. Why is that? Because the convenience of life offers quick cheap meals, we are lazy in devoting time to cook our own food we rather have it ready to go when we are ready to eat. Not only that but because there are so many more fast food places, even when we Americans are not hungry we will stop for a quick bite to eat just because it is close convenient and cheap.
I feel we have become a lazy nation and all of those convenient foods we choose to eat are not the best for our health. Yet why do we consume so much of it each year? The foods do not help create a thin image especially if you are one to eat out more than once or twice a week and not have an active lifestyle. Americans have created a convenient life not an active life, so throughout the decades and I believe that is the cause for the dramatic change, that we have settled for convenience verses active life style yet adore the thinner image what we wish to be
The social media is a different reality of “Americans” and the image of what we are, when the image of America outside of the media is dramatically different from the social media images. I feel the dramatic change in national dieting trends is because of how life is dramatically different in the media verses outside of the media, therefore explains the dieting trends outside the media. The thin imaged has been a popular look in the media for decades and I don’t think that has changed much. People have recognized the social image as just that “social images” and they have adopted to life outside of the social concept and have welcomed a life of convenience over active lifestyles which may explain the lack of concern in Americans to diet as a decade or two ago. We have settled for Media’s tips and tricks on how to cover the fat with materialistic means of covering it up verses recognizing how to get rid of a thicker image for a healthier fit image not simply thin but fit.
Kirsten H. Online 10
ReplyDeleteI believe the decrease in the amount of women making it their resolution to diet this year has occurred as a result of the transformation of societal views. In the 1990's, it was all about Kate Moss. She was small and that was "in." Now, we have Beyonce, Kate Winslet, etc. All of these beautiful women with curves have embraced their image and it has trickled down to us. Now that curves are what is "in" - we want them. Also, in response to Tate F. Online 08-- I strongly agree with your statement about the media's emphasis on health and how it has effected our society. I would like to add something to it--it's in our music as well. We have rap artists boasting about their "coca cola bottle" shaped women, and One Direction telling their lovers to "love your thighs like I do." & of course- Sir Mix A Lot LIKES BIG BUTTS. It's everywhere we look. Commercials on tv, pictures in magazines and the music in our ipods.
Jenn L. 08
DeleteSir Mix A Lot is actually an old song. Twenty years old. It didnt seem to make much difference where I grew up. Also, I am one of those people who do not really keep up with what's "in" and who is "in". I could not tell you who is married to who and who just had what baby, etc. I DO agree that media and Hollywood play an important role on how our society views what is physically acceptable and what isn't. It is one reason why I like to use social media to spread the word about all types of people from all walks of life being beautiful and wonderful. Music is important, but what influences us here in America is completely different than the music that influences the rest of the world.
Shacklett H 08
DeleteI agree that body image is being reflected in a much more realistic way in our media. Women have begun to feel a happiness with differences in our shapes and sizes, and to strive more for health than ideal images. This veiw may account for the lowering of diet resolutions. I still believe that your physical well being need to be the top priority, regardless of the shape. Western culture has a huge obesity rate that needs to be addressed.
Jenn L. 08
ReplyDeleteI honestly do not think the social concept of body image has changed. It is still a stigma to be over weight. If you are in school, you are still bullied for it. My daughter has a friend who has a health condition that has caused her to gain more weight than "normal" while going through puberty at the age of 13 and she does get picked on quit a bit. I am over weight and I can tell that people assume things about me just based on my weight alone. Men will assume I am not flexible or strong, and I am. Women will assume I am single due to my weight, but I am single by choice and I don't flaunt my dating life around for all to see. I also believe that globally, America is still looked down upon as the "fat nation". I have social media friends from all over the world and they love a good ole American fat joke. I have no idea why the number of women dieting has gone down. I know that for me personally, I just don't diet. I eat healthy and I work out when I can find the time. I also know that I personally don't do enough of those things and am not as healthy as I should be, but for me, being healthy doesn't equal being skinny.
Howard C. 01
ReplyDeleteThere could be many possible reasons for women of today to not pursue a New Years Resolution in dieting. Quite frankly this question puzzles me because I do believe that both sexes are still very in tune with how they look and the condition of their bodies. One possible account for this is that people are realizing that fad diets just do not work in the long run. Loosing weight is not about dieting, it is about making life changes. Anyone can loose a few pounds but keeping it off is the key. I also think that with the new breakthrough in home workouts such as P90x and Insanity, to name a few, that many women are more in tuned with exercise as a contributing factor in their long term success at controlling their weight. Lastly, I feel that many women in today's culture are more comfortable with their curves. There is a lot of information out there on becoming at peace with ones self and this could very well play a part in the lack of New Years dieting. At any rate, big or small, ladies keep up the good work.
Pamela M.
ReplyDeleteWomen in all aspects have changed in the last century. It use to be that women were always pressured by media and hollywood to be thin and hold a certain image. I think this has changed because people are realizing that being thin isn't being healthy. Also, now these days you hear more of be yourself, you are unique, love is on the inside not the outside, because of these messages people but mainly women are not so worried about their image.
Shacklett H 08
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that society has changed its views as much as it appears. As with all social issues, there has been an attempt to soften the reality and focus on emotional state. While obesity is unhealthy, it is considered to be unsupportive or unloving to focus on change even for your own children. Tolerance is expected even at the risk of health. I do believe if it were an outside threat to society, it would be viewed as mandatory that it be addressed in a much harsher manner. I appears the weight loss issues are being overlooked to protect feelings; it has become a choice, not a medical necessity. In doing this, obesity has become another western cultural norm.
Joan M. 08.
ReplyDeleteMy answer comes a little late but I will still post it. I do not think that our society is changing, I think people are just going back in ways they used to be and eat : walking, biking, eating much more natural, organic, and less meat. It is a good think because of too many diseases and not enough money for treatments or even finding a cure for them.
In the others hands, celebrities are under pressure of the public opinion and they have to give an image of health and physically "fit" if they want to sell more.
Amy H-08
ReplyDeleteI think people realize that too much emphasis has been placed on dieting and being a certain weight, pant size, or physique. With the boom of the dieting industry and the multimillion dollar farce we have seen over the past few decades, I hope I'm right. I hope Americans see the need to be healthy, to eat right, to eat quality food, and to exercise. But I don't think that is what over weight America is doing. I believe that people are becoming more complacent with who they are and what size they are "destined" to be. With the increase in childhood obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer... it is very difficult to see where Americans are changing for the healthier way of life.
I believe that people are now realizing that being so skinny is not always the best thing. People are now seeing that being "big" is still beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCamden S. 12
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, soceity has definitely changed thier view on what they consider beautiful for a womans size. Many woman embrace thier size and many men appreciate a woman with ''curves'' now in comparison to a smaller size woman. This is a very big change from ten or twenty years ago. I think a main reason for this are bigger actresses, plus size modeling shows, and tv shows. People appreciate a healthier looking person over someone who looks as if they have starved for weeks, which is a major difference from years past.
Has anyone ever seen this entire film? I am going to watch it, then probably have my teen daughter watch it.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=S5pM1fW6hNs
Jenn L. 08
Jon Walker
ReplyDeleteI do not think that it Americas image on dieting has changed. Those to want to diet most likely still diet. Celebrities usually come out with a diet that people follow because the people just follow that celeb personally. As for what us Americans do not know is that a lot of famous people are doing drugs to lose weight or just unhealthy patters. It is very often that you see someone famous with anorexia. Why? If you have money and a famous title then why move towards killing yourself. It may be posible that women in the USA have problems with dieting because fast food is so readily available on almost every corner. Laziness is also key to not dieting and or working out. I dont think americas image has changed on dieting but maybe individuals habbits have.
Marie P. 08
ReplyDeleteI don't think social concept of body image changed at all. Many people in our society today still care very much about their body image; However, with the current economy most people found it very difficult to keep up with certain very costly diets.They eat what ever is available to them to survive.Sometimes people can be on a regular diet and still lose a great amount of weight by eating small portion and just walking.Another thing we see more and more famous people not so thin as it used to be and they are very comfortable with their look.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI believe that our social concept has not changed and that the dramatic change in national dieting trends is due to the fact that more people are taking their diet and health serious year round so there is less emphasis put on dieting being a "new years resolution." I also believe that we have come to appreciate a fuller figure unlike before when women were expected to be skinny, it is now found attractive and desirable by many to have more shapely bodies. Which has resulted in less women trying to lose weight, those women have now become more accepting of their fuller figures.........Posted By:Crystal White CRN(41210) Sociology Online
ReplyDeleteCrystal White CRN(41210) MY REPLY TO: Pamela M.
ReplyDelete--WHEN I CLICKED REPLY IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME SO I AM POSTING MY RESPONSE TO PAMELA M. HERE.
Pamela I agree that women in our society have come to accept their fuller bodies unlike before when a fuller women would often feel fat or unattractive. Society as a whole has also learned to embrace women of all shapes and sizes. Like you stated there has been more emphasis placed on embrasing yourself and loving yourself for who you are and less scrutinity over a little extra weight. Now I am not saying that our society has done a complete 360 and completely appreciates fuller figured people but I think that we have come very far and are continuing to get better.
Clint. A Online 58
ReplyDeleteI agree that the social concept of body image has changed. More people are tending to eat and actively be more healthy in their choices. Now a days with so many social media outlets the world has trends and quotas to meet for some people. Famous people portray an image to the prime aged culture and it has a major affect. It is said to see our youth be demolished through this thing we called the world wide web. Everyone seems to want this or that and not want to be themselves but to fit in with a crowd to be 'cool', it's sad. Drastic diet changes are a little crazy. People nearly starving themselves to lose weight which was their own fault in the first place for gaining. Taking pills, regurgitating, eating less seem to be the most popular and 'effective' ways to lose the weight you want fast. To see a girl who is as thin as a twig is wrong just to put a factor in as to lose weight as their motive.
Clint A. Online 58
ReplyDeleteIn response to Jordanna C.21 I do agree with her. Seems like everyone in Hollywood makes a standard for the youth and young adult's lifestyle choices. It has changed a little over the years due to social networks, but it's all in all the same concept.
Sheri P. Online 12
ReplyDeleteThe concept of body image has certainly changed in last couple of years. Women have stepped into more powerful roles, therefore they are not being pressured to be thin. Also the word diet has changed into lifestyle change so women tend to find this less intimidating. There has also been alot of preventitive measures put in place to help young girls learn how to eat more healthy. In the past there has been numerous problems with women developing eating disorders because of body image issues. Being thin I have a totally different view on this issue as I actually wish I wasn't so thin. Again it comes down to a lifestyle change and an exercise plan that can be easily accomplished in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.
Sheri P. Online 12
ReplyDeleteIn response to Christina H.
I do agree that it isn't about weight, it should be about living a healthy lifestyle. You don't have to be stick thin to be healthy and you shouldn't need a set time to do that. You should want to be healthy all the time and not just at the beginning of every year.
Tashanda S. Online 12
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I believe that now women are more accepting of themselves. Instead of trying to all fit into the mold of one "perfect" body image, we are now embracing our different shapes. Whether curvy, slim, tall or short women are starting to realize that they were made the way that they were for a reason. As for the dieting trends, I believe that before women were looking for quick fixes. Essentially that's what diet were "quick fixes", they temporarily fixed weight issues but once the diet was stopped the weight came back. Now with more education on living healthy, women now are embracing their bodies and using more healthy alternatives rather than diets.
Chassity Haywood-online
ReplyDeleteI believe women are starting to diet less due to plus size bodies are now more socially accepted. I do feel it does have a little to do with most knowing that they will not keep up the New Year resolution for more than a month.
Courtney W. online o8
ReplyDeletei believe that women arent really concerned about there curves anymore, they embrace them. Today you see more and more actresses loosing weight but they still have there curvy bodies they love. In my opinion i find be too skinny is unattrative. if you have curves embrace them. i also feel that when i woman sets that new years resolution to loose weight, they usually stop dieting by the 2nd week because they cant keep away from the bad foods.
Courtney W. online 08 in reply to Chassity Haywood online, i agree with you 100 percent. plus sized bodies are more in today than out. No one wants to see a skinny anorexic girl on the cover of a magazine. The celebrity life has changed. Celebrities are still eating healthy and working out but they still have the curves everyone wants.
ReplyDeleteI think that people are not making those new years resolutions today because for one Fad diets are out and changing your lifestyle and eating healthy and having and exercise routine for the long term is now what we have learned is best for our bodies. Dieting is not the "in" thing anymore and us women are not wanting to be skin and bones anymore. Being healthy and curvy is much more desirable and healthy.
ReplyDeletesandra f. 86
ReplyDeleteI think women stopped dieting just because of that. People tend to get so busy in their life that who is gonna denie theirself that hamburger when you actually get the chance to sit down and eat one. Women i believe just do what they know makes them look good. Curves are def more attractive by men than skin and bones.
Christine W. 27
DeleteAnd why should people have to deny themselves things right? especially women. Being equal means exactly that. If it is socially exceptable for a man to sit down and stuff his face then why not everyone?
Victor V 01
ReplyDeleteI want to believe that body image has changed in America, cause at least around me and my friends, we do not discriminate between body sizes, we hang out with people of all sizes, and I believe people are overall more informed about diets and staying healthy. (Though they may still not take care of themselves.)
Christine W. 27
ReplyDeleteWhile I think we have come a long way when it comes to the pressure of being "skinny," I still think we have a long way to go. While society has become more accepting of a natural body, the media still pushes people to diet and strive to look like skinny Hollywood people. I believe all people just need to be happy. whether it be consuming large amounts of unhealthy food or eating right and exercising. It's your life to live and that means you can make our own choice to be happy any way you want.
Joan M. 08 in response to Chuck m. 10
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you that the world and the greatest as Marilyn Monroe are those women full of curves and that every woman should definitely be proud to her image and just try to exercise and eat healthy and exercise for her own benefits and not others.
whitney c 10
ReplyDeleteI personally believe its probably due to the fact that they know they arent going to keep up with their resolutions in the first place because most females get discouraged after a month of exercising when they get on the scale and realize that they havent lost even a 1/4 of what they wanted to so why make a resolution and tell everyone about it when you yourself already know you arent going to keep it?
WHitney c 10 in response to Rachel Wilsey
ReplyDeleteI think that is a very optomistic view but in reality i think that they dont want to make a resolution they cant keep as i said in my post after a month they get discouraged and its just too easy and fast to order a double cheese burger and eat it than it is to buy a salad
I think it has changed because America wants the world to vizualize in being at a healthy weight. Watching commercials on TV are considering people who are over weight to lose weight. MOst females that are overweight consider losing weight by not eating or cut out certain foods when they really need it. However, some females do it the right way by excercising and eating the right foods.
ReplyDeleteBrittany S. Soc. 1101
DeleteI completely agree. I myself feel if I make the conscious decision to lose weight, it isn't by some sort of "resolution" but to get healthier by eating right, and exercising. I'm sure most feel the same way.
Brittany S. Soc. 1101
ReplyDeleteI feel within the cultural change, awareness for certain eating disorders, and complications through extreme dieting has change a lot of perceptions for women. There is seemingly more acceptance towards "larger" women, with ads that campaign "bigger women are more beautiful." The importance of having the ideal body has seemed to have lost its worth as opposed to the days when being thin was the way to be. Also, as we industrialize, there are also implications for people that are less fortunate to afford healthier meals, because as we know it is much more inexpensive to buy a dollar cheeseburger at McDonald's than order a side salad; in which many cases isn't very satisfying.