Is the Size Zero "debate" in danger of giving slim girls self-esteem issues?

Question

All over the internet people are up in arms about skinny fashion models, and thiness in general. Some common phrases that come up are
- "Size 0 is disgusting"
- "A REAL woman has curves"

As someone who is relatively thin with not much in the way of the supposedly "natural" womanly curves, I feel a bit insulted by the constant pushing in my face of what a "real" sexy woman should look like. I'm concerned that younger slim girls may be having their self-esteem as damaged by the (I think now more common) assertation that curves are best, and anyone without is disgusting and unsexy. Has anyone had close-hand experience of this being a problem? Is it just a case of society concentrating too much on what a woman looks like and not enough on other qualities?

Answer 1

I'm 5"4 and a UK size 4. i don't like the way they call it size 0 for effect, and the way they assume that anyone that's slim has some kind of eating disorder. I'm 16, so just at that age when you begin feeling self conscious, and the fact that everywhere you look slim girls are frowned upon makes you feel like you've done something wrong. I'm glad you brought up this topic as the media is completely disregarding how people like me feel, saying 'only curves are good', and 'who would want to look like a boy, it's not natural'. I am perfectly healthy, have never had a disorder, and am perfectly happy with the way i am. The irony is that i fear other skinny girls will develop an eating disorder to gain weight (eg overeating) as there is such a lash out again skinny girls everywhere you look. Not trying to be patronizing, but i don't think bigger girls realise the problems that skinny girls get from issues like this, and that bigger people are not the only ones that suffer from the media making such a big issue over it, and as the media seem to be on bigger girls side, the skinny girls always seem to get all the stick.

Answer 2

I think that, like Kerri C said, there is nothing wrong with trying to include larger girls in the beauty industry and broaden everyone's ideas of what is attractive. It should do no harm to a skinny girl's self esteem to stop being the only type ever featured.

But yes, some people do defend larger sizes by putting down smaller ones and that's probably not any better. I do know women who are very thin and desperate to gain weight but can't- especially once they are past their teenage years they want to be seen as more womanly and we have all these people making comments about how disgusting it is to be so thin, and how men don't like it.

And this is always coming from women who are annoyed about their own size being seen as unattractive- well don't complain about that if you're making the same judgements about other people.

(Although I'd have to say it's not as bad as the abuse society gives to fat people- at least the skinnies are in good company and can comfort themselves with great clothes!)

Answer 3

I doubt it since people become size zero because they had self esteem issues in the first place, sure some people are naturally skinny most 7-11 y/o girls are size zero and yet people wouldn't say they looked unhealthy.

People base alot on appearence not because of the fashion industry or the media but because there aren't really any set gender roles in society anymore and thus people are looking to other things to identify themselves.
Look at the original batman tv actor not very impressive muscle wise but performed a manly role but now a days batman has some stupid plactic 6 pack

Answer 4

I don't think there will ever be a shortage of thin women in the limelight. I think it's a little silly to suggest that the fight to allow larger, curvier women to take part in fashion and modelling will damage the self confidence of thin girls. For decades we have been taught that thin is beautiful. This isn''t about saying naturally thin girls are NOT beautiful, this is about saying that ALL girls are beautiful, no matter the size. nobody's knocking the thin girls, thir knocking the ABNORMALLY, UNHEALTHILY thin girls.

Answer 5

I think if you are naturally skinny - thats fine!!
The problem seems to be the other 99% -most frighteningly, young girls. who are not, and starve themselves to try to attain
this unreasonable image. Anorexia is rife and getting worse
We have to somehow protect the young and impressionable from the constant overload of size 0 to 6 images seen as
desirable in every magazine on sale.
You are very lucky, you seem happy with your body and well adjusted, Oh that everyone could be.

Answer 6

Well I'm not overly skinny now that I have had my baby, but prior to that, I was 6 and a half stone 5 foot one and naturally petite and skinny, peoples opinions did not give me low self esteem but you wanna hear some of the bitchy things said to naturally thin women. I eat and ate like a horse my good genes kept me svelt. thin discrimination exists

Answer 7

Fat or thin does it really matter in the end. Self- esteem should be built by doing things. If you only get it from your appearance you never leave the bathroom in that search to look perfect All these people on the internet should get off the keyboard & Get a Life

Answer 8

i dont no , im 14 and im tall , 121Lbs - 55Kg. i think there surely giving an unclear view for the young people out there but having curves is healthy , a flabby tummy isnt and skin and bones diffinetly isnt! lol i just find that if they want to have models use ones with a little meat one them! i must compliment the 2006 Victoria Secrets models , most of them have some butt and curves on them! thankgod there starrting a new trend for once.... Btw skinny people lyk a skeleton is just g r o s s

Cuya!!

Answer 9

You are right. I think it shouldn't matter what size you are as long as you are healthy and happy. If you are naturally skinny then thats fine.(wish I was!) If you are starving yourself to be that size then its unhealthy. Same with being stocky, if you are healthy then fine, if you are obese you are risking your health. It works both ways.

Answer 10

I'm sure the size zero debate is in danger of giving most people boredom issues.

I find it amazing that anyone really cares enough to get upset over this. Have we run out of important things to worry about?