Why do we want to be thin?
“How do I become thinner?”
- millions of women around the world are asking themselves that question, but Why?
The desire for women to be skinny has been influenced by a variety of factors, including societal norms, cultural ideals, media representations, and personal experiences. Of course not all women have the same desires or beliefs, and individual experiences and perspectives can vary significantly. However, there are some common subconscious beliefs that can contribute to this desire for thinness:
Societal and cultural ideals: Many societies and cultures promote a specific standard of beauty that often includes being very slim. These ideals are often perpetuated through media, fashion industries, and other influential platforms. Women may internalise these societal messages and subconsciously believe that thinness equates to beauty, desirability, and social acceptance.
2. Body image and self-esteem:
Some women may associate being skinny with having a positive body image and higher self-esteem. They may believe that achieving a particular body size or shape will lead to increased confidence, happiness, and success in various aspects of life. The subconscious belief may be that thinness is directly linked to personal worth and value.
3. Peer pressure and comparison: Women may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations and compare themselves to others, especially in the age of social media. Seeing images of thin women or receiving comments and feedback from peers can create subconscious beliefs that being very slim is the ideal and desirable state.
4. Control and discipline: For some individuals, the desire to be skinny may stem from a subconscious belief that weight and body size are within their control. The idea that achieving and maintaining thinness requires discipline, willpower, and self-control can provide a sense of achievement and empowerment. This belief can be reinforced by the concept that self-discipline in appearance leads to success in other areas of life.
5. Health and fitness associations: There can be a subconscious belief that being thin is synonymous with being healthy and fit. While there is a connection between weight and certain health conditions, this belief can be oversimplified and lead to the assumption that thinness is always indicative of good health. Media messages and societal narratives that equate thinness with wellness can reinforce this belief.
It's important to recognize that these subconscious beliefs are often influenced by external factors, and they may not reflect an individual's true desires or values. Challenging and re-evaluating these beliefs can be an important step towards promoting body acceptance and embracing diverse notions of beauty.
So where did those beliefs originate from?
Why is being slim so idolised in the Western Society?
The idealisation of thinness in the West has a complex history that can be traced back to different cultural, social, and historical factors. While ideals of beauty have evolved over time, the association of thinness with beauty and desirability gained prominence during the 20th century. Here are some key factors that have contributed to the idealisation of being slim in Western society:
> Industrialization and changing social norms: The industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries brought significant changes to Western societies, including shifts in social structures, economic systems, and ideals of femininity. As societies became more urbanised and industrialised, new social norms emerged that emphasised elegance, refinement, and self-control. These values often translated into a desire for a slender and delicate female form, associated with higher social status and femininity.
> Rise of fashion and media industries:
The growth of the fashion and media industries in the 20th century played a significant role in popularising the skinny ideal. Fashion designers, photographers, and magazines promoted super-slim figures as the epitome of style and beauty. Thin models and celebrities became influential figures, and their images were widely disseminated through magazines, advertisements, and later, television and the internet. This constant exposure reinforced the association between thinness and beauty.
> Economic Factors: The beauty and fashion industries play a significant role in promoting the ideal of slimness. These industries benefit financially by promoting products and services aimed at weight loss, exercise, and body modification. The idolization of slimness can be perpetuated to drive consumer demand for these products, leading to economic gains.
> Health and medical associations: During the early 20th century, there was a growing interest in health and physical fitness. Influential figures such as doctors and health experts advocated for the benefits of exercise, proper nutrition, and maintaining a lean physique. Thinness began to be equated with good health and vitality, creating an additional motivation for pursuing a slim body.
> Feminism and women's liberation movement: In the latter half of the 20th century, the feminist movement challenged traditional gender roles and expectations, including the objectification and sexualization of women's bodies. While this movement aimed to empower women and promote body acceptance, there were also conflicting messages. Some feminists criticised the emphasis on being skinny as a tool of oppression, while others argued for individual agency and the right to choose one's appearance, including a desire for thinness.
It's important to note that beauty ideals are not static and have continued to evolve. In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards body positivity, inclusivity, and embracing diverse body shapes and sizes. However, the historical influence of slimness as the Western beauty ideal is still very strong, and it takes ongoing efforts to challenge and redefine societal standards of beauty.
Do you desire to be slimmer than you are?
What do you think influenced you to have that desire?
Read on to discover How to Love Your Body the Way It Is or check out this free hypnosis:
