Eating disorders are often glamorised due to the widespread emphasis on slim and thin body types. This is closely linked to the normalisation of fat-shaming and the outright dismissal of bodies that are considered 'chubby' or 'thick'. The dangers of such attitudes are frequently overlooked in favour of promoting an idealised body type.

This cultural focus on achieving a certain physical appearance can significantly contribute to the development of eating disorders. As Dr. Pamela Yong from Wanita MCA discusses, this pressure is not only unhealthy but dangerous. The glamorisation of extremely thin bodies creates unrealistic standards, leading people to praise others for being skinny without considering other factors.

On the surface, what may appear as an accomplishment could actually be signs of serious health concerns. It must be emphasised that eating disorders are mental illnesses that lead to self-berating thoughts, feelings of guilt, and depression. Beyond the mental toll, eating disorders can also result in severe physical health issues, such as malnutrition, a weakened immune system, and cardiovascular problems.

Peer pressure, especially among those struggling with eating disorders, often leads to a harmful competition to lose weight or maintain a particular body size. The idea of having ‘the best’ body is glamorised and even celebrated, but what really defines a body to be the ‘best’? If we follow cultural trends and societal standard, the ‘ideal body’ is unrealistic. Each person has their own unique makeup, and trying to fit it into a one-size-fits-all model not only perpetuates exclusion but is generally impossible to conform to without posing serious risks.

Cultural trends, including those in K-pop, fashion shows, and fast fashion advertisements, play a major role in glorifying an unrealistic body ideal. The widespread encouragement to look a certain way can drive people to unhealthy habits like extreme dieting or excessive exercise in an attempt to meet these standards. These trends are particularly concerning because they normalise behaviours that may be harmful in the pursuit of looking a certain way.

It is crucial to shift the focus from an idealised body shape to the importance of overall health. Instead of celebrating thinness, we should prioritise well-being and a balanced approach to health. The ideal body is not defined by its size, but by its ability to function well and support a person's physical and mental health. Healthy bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and we need to stop equating thinness and ‘skinny’ with beauty or worth. True health is about nourishment, balance, and self-care, not fitting into a mould dictated by societal pressures.

Chan Quin Er
Wanita MCA Secretary General
MCA Information Chief

6 November 2024

-MCA Comm-