Category — Women and Weight

I am the mother of 2 girls.  I used to treat patients with eating disorders.  I don’t believe in diets.  I relay these facts because I just read an article that stirs every ounce of maternal defensiveness I’ve got.

Jeffrey Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal has published a piece that investigates the tenacity of the desire for thinness.  Back in 1986 he had the opportunity to interview a group of 4th grade girls about their relationship with weight and their dieting behavior.  He was fortunate enough to have the chance the speak with some of these same individuals once again, now grown women, and follow up on some of his inqueries from over 20 years earlier.

Take a look at his article.  Then sit down with a magazine or spend 10 minutes in front of mainstream television and be a critical consumer.  What kind of messages are being conveyed concerning weight, size, good food/bad food, beauty and self-acceptance?  Then review how many of those messages are probably looking for a  female audience.

Now for the fun.  Take a look at this film produced by Dove entitled “Evolution”. 

Thoughts?