Eating and body image characteristics of those who aspire to the slim-thick, thin, or fit ideal and their impact on state body image

Abstract

The slim-thick ideal is characterized by a small waist and flat stomach, but large hips, thighs, and butt. Little research to date has examined the impact of this body-ideal on women’s body image. The purpose of the current study was to investigate: 1) the impact of slim-thick, thin-, and fit-ideal imagery on women’s body image, 2) the body ideals women most aspire to, and 3) eating and body image characteristics of women who aspire to each ideal. Participants were 123 female undergraduate students. Results revealed that experimental exposure to slim-thick- and fit-ideal imagery resulted in lower body satisfaction. Participants reported aspiring more to the fit and slim-thick-ideal than to the thin-ideal, and rated the slim-thick-ideal as the most attractive and desirable. Women who aspired to the thin- or slim-thick-ideal reported the greatest overall disordered eating. Women who aspired to the slim-thick-ideal reported greater dietary restraint, eating, shape and weight concerns, appearance ideal internalization, body image investment, and physical appearance perfectionism than those who aspired to the fit-ideal. Findings show that beauty ideals are shifting away from the thin-ideal toward a slim-thick-ideal. Slim-thick internalization may be harmful to women’s well-being and should be addressed in body image and eating disorders interventions.