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March 6, 2025 – A groundbreaking new study has found that children’s perception of what constitutes a “normal” body shape is shaped by the bodies they see around them, much like it is for adults. The research, conducted with children aged seven to 15 and undergraduate students, highlights how visual exposure influences our mental models of body weight from an early age.
How Perception Adapts to Visual Input
Previous studies have demonstrated that both adults and children continuously update their understanding of facial features based on the faces they regularly see. This process, known as “adaptation,” also applies to body shape and weight perception. Among adults, exposure to images of heavier bodies has been found to shift perceptions, making heavier bodies appear more “normal” and attractive. A similar but opposite effect is observed when individuals are frequently exposed to thinner bodies.
Until now, however, research on body perception has largely focused on adults, leaving questions about how this process affects children unanswered.
Study Findings: A Shift in Perception
The study asked participants to rate bodies based on weight before and after being exposed to images of either very thin or very heavy figures. Researchers found that both children and adults perceived the same bodies as significantly lighter after being exposed to heavier figures. This suggests that their internal model of a “normal” body weight had shifted. Interestingly, those exposed to thin bodies did not exhibit a corresponding shift in perception.
When comparing the youngest children in the study to adult participants, researchers found that the impact of exposure to different body types was just as strong in seven-year-olds as it was in adults. This suggests that by age seven, children already exhibit a flexible mental model of body shape, influenced by the visual stimuli they encounter.
Implications for Media and Toy Representation
These findings align with previous research that has shown how exposure to ultra-thin dolls can influence young girls’ body ideals, making them desire thinner figures. The new study reinforces the idea that simply seeing different body types—whether in toys, media, or real life—can actively shape children’s perceptions of body weight.
This has significant implications for the portrayal of body sizes in children’s media, including television, advertisements, and toys. Research has already linked television access in rural areas to a preference for thinner bodies, while exposure to images of muscular male models has been shown to increase a preference for muscularity in men. The results suggest that early exposure to a diverse range of body shapes could help combat unrealistic body standards and promote healthier body image perceptions.
A Call for Balanced Representation
Given that children as young as seven are already influenced by visual exposure to body types, the study underscores the importance of ensuring that media and toys reflect a variety of body sizes. Research has shown that Western children often associate heavier body types with negative traits such as being less attractive or less desirable as friends. If society wishes to prevent children from internalizing these biases and developing strong thin ideals in adulthood, efforts should be made to promote body diversity in all forms of media they consume.
Disclaimer
This article is based on research findings and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or psychological advice. For concerns regarding body image or mental health, please consult a qualified professional.
