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As the New Year approaches, a recurring trend takes center stage: improving body image consistently ranks among the top resolutions, sparking concerns among researchers who caution against the repercussions of a society increasingly fixated on physical appearance.
According to a YouGov Poll, the past four years have seen a steadfast surge in resolutions revolving around enhancing body appearance, primarily focused on exercising more, shedding weight, and refining dietary habits.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have raised alarms about the prevalence of ‘lookism’ and the alarming influence of social media in fostering a culture of body critique.
Professor Heather Widdows, a leading beauty philosopher at the university, highlighted the profound shift in societal values, noting a transition from prioritizing internal growth to placing undue emphasis on external appearances.
“Our perceptions of self-worth have undergone a drastic transformation in this era dominated by social media. We now tend to evaluate ourselves and others based on physical appearance, altering our identities and self-worth,” expressed Widdows, emphasizing the emergence of an epidemic of body image anxiety.
This heightened emphasis on body image appears to affect individuals at a younger age and persist into adulthood, reflecting a normalization of body-related anxieties, which can be detrimental to mental health.
“Amid New Year’s resolutions, the pursuit of an ideal body often masks deeper desires for happiness or success. However, the quest for physical transformation rarely yields the anticipated outcomes,” cautioned Widdows, highlighting the illusory nature of body alterations in delivering lasting satisfaction.
In response to these concerns, Widdows coined the term “lookism” and spearheaded the #everydaylookism campaign, aiming to combat appearance-based discrimination, which remains prevalent in various societal spheres.
“To safeguard both physical and mental well-being, we must alleviate the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Addressing appearance-related bullying and fostering acceptance are pivotal steps towards a healthier society,” stressed Widdows, advocating for a collective effort to tackle appearance-based discrimination.
The call to recognize the adverse effects of ‘lookism’ and foster inclusivity stands as a crucial step in curbing the damaging impact of societal pressures centered around physical appearances. As the New Year approaches, this conversation serves as a timely reminder to prioritize holistic well-being over narrow beauty standards.
