Despite it being a world infiltrated by filtered bikini shots, a new American Psychological Association study reveals women are 28 per cent more satisfied with their bodies than they were 31 years ago. The study, which recorded a 3.3 point rise in body satisfaction, were promoted in the latest issue of Women’s Health US.
Editor-in-chief Amy Keller Laird believes this is a reflection that social media has proven a valuable outlet for body positivity in women. She comments: “Before social media, there were a limited number of outlets controlling what images of women's bodies were out in the world. It gives more of a presence to plus-size models, body-positivity advocates, and created a groundswell of voices tired of seeing only one shape and size.”
The study also reflects a prioritising of how we feel over how we look. The wellbeing industry is now worth $US3.72 trillion globally, a sector which Laird says has altered society’s expectations of beauty. “It has made people consciously think about what ‘wellness’ actually means to them. And realising, hey, it can mean more than just flat abs – though those are great too. It can mean going to yoga or Pilates because the class makes you feel less stressed or spending more time with your family and friends.”
