Counseling & Psychological Services

Currently, our society seems to value unrealistic body images, which places demands on individuals to conform to standards that are often impossible to achieve. Below are some of the cultural absurdities and facts related to body image:

• One study found that 70% of women came to have feelings of depression, guilt and/or shame, after spending just 3 minutes looking at models in a fashion magazine.
• Pictures of models in magazines are airbrushed to cover "imperfections."
• 20 years ago, models weighed 8% less than the "average" woman; today models weigh about 23% less than the "average" woman.
• On average, models, dancers and actresses weigh less than 95% of the female population.
• Marilyn Monroe wore a size 12.
• In a recent survey, 80% of 13 year old females said that they were, or have been, on a diet.
• On any given day, 25% of women are on diets, with another 50% either starting, breaking or finishing a diet.
• Most mannequins would be too thin to menstruate if they were real.
• 1 out of 4 college aged women have some type of eating disorder.
• Each year, 7 million women are found to have signs of an eating disorder.
• It has been estimated that 1 in 100 women between the ages of 12 and 25 suffers from anorexia, while 1 in 7 develops bulimia.
• Men have eating disorders at a lower rate than females and their numbers are on the rise.
• Twenty years ago, G.I. Joe had proportions that would scale to 12 inch biceps. Today's model would have upper arms 24 inches in diameter.
• If Barbie were real, her measurements would be 36-18-33 and she would be 7 feet tall.
• One study concluded that of all victims of eating disorders, 86% began showing signs of their illness before age 20.
• The average American woman is 5'4", weighs between 135 and 144 pounds, is between size 12 and 14, and wears a size 36 B bra.

The media perpetuates many unrealistic body ideals. If you want to learn more about how the media impacts us or how to put an end to such negative campaigns, please visit the National Eating Disorder's Media Advocacy and Watch Dog Program.