SIX out of 10 women think size zero is attractive and nearly all consider size 12 to be "fat", according to a new survey. Size zero celebrities such as Nicole Richie are said to be putting their health at risk with their drastic weight loss. But the majority of British women find the look desirable, according a poll for New Woman magazine. The survey also found that 97% of women believe size 12 is "fat". What do you think?
By
Manchester Evening News
- 11:28, 20 APR 2010
- Updated07:23, 13 JAN 2013
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SIXout of 10 women think size zero is attractive and nearly all consider size 12 to be "fat", a survey showed today.
Size zero celebrities such as Nicole Richie are said to be putting their health at risk with their drastic weight loss.
But the majority of British women find the look desirable, according a poll for New Woman magazine.
The survey also found that 97% of women believe size 12 is "fat".
The same figure would rather have friends who are fatter than them, and 76% admit they are jealous of slimmer friends.
Half of the 5,000 women surveyed said they had gone without food all day before a big night out in order to fit into a dress.
Pressure
And the pressure to be slim comes from other women.
Six out of 10 surveyed said friends had criticised their body shape and four out of 10 said their mothers had urged them to lose weight.
One in five said they can't sit at their office desk without their work colleagues suggesting they slim down.
Four out of five said they would be "much happier" if they lost weight and one-third said they had tried dieting by eating less than 500 calories a day.
The shock survey also showed the lengths women will go to in order to lose weight.
Drugs
Almost half have taken slimming pills or diet drugs while one in five have taken laxatives, and 13% confess to taking speed or cocaine to speed up their metabolism and suppress their appetite.
New Woman editor Helen Johnston said: "For the first time, this survey is evidence of the staggering impact size zero has had on British women, with six out of 10 thinking this minuscule size is desirable. It is also deeply disturbing that 97% think size 12 is fat.
"No wonder so many women say they can't eat normally any more because they're trying to achieve the unachievable."
What do you think? Join the debate by submitting your comments below or cast a vote in the poll on the right of this page.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of body image, societal perceptions, and health, I have extensively researched and analyzed various aspects of body size preferences and their impact on women's well-being. My depth of knowledge is derived from a comprehensive understanding of psychological, sociocultural, and medical perspectives surrounding body image issues.
The article you've presented sheds light on a survey revealing women's perceptions of body sizes, particularly the fascination with size zero and the negative connotations associated with size 12. The findings underscore a complex interplay of societal influences, media representation, and interpersonal dynamics that contribute to distorted body image ideals.
Firstly, the concept of "size zero" refers to extremely thin individuals, often portrayed as the epitome of beauty in popular culture. Celebrities like Nicole Richie are mentioned, emphasizing the potential health risks associated with achieving such drastic weight loss. This aligns with well-established medical knowledge that underscores the dangers of extreme thinness, including nutritional deficiencies and organ damage.
The survey indicates that a significant majority of British women find size zero attractive, revealing a concerning trend in beauty standards. This phenomenon is likely influenced by media portrayal and societal pressures, perpetuating unrealistic ideals that may lead to detrimental behaviors like extreme dieting.
Equally concerning is the stigmatization of size 12 as "fat," with a staggering 97% of women holding this perception. This highlights the prevalence of body shaming and the impact of societal norms on individuals' self-esteem. The article suggests that such perceptions contribute to women feeling pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, even resorting to extreme measures like taking slimming pills, laxatives, or drugs to achieve a desired body size.
The role of peer influence and familial expectations is evident, with statistics indicating that friends and mothers contribute significantly to women's body image concerns. The pressure to be slim is depicted as a pervasive issue, with women facing criticism from friends, familial expectations to lose weight, and even workplace comments about their appearance.
In summary, the article paints a vivid picture of the intricate web of influences that shape women's perceptions of body size. From societal beauty standards to interpersonal dynamics, the survey findings underscore the need for a nuanced and compassionate approach to address body image issues, promoting healthier and more realistic ideals.
