Media’s faceless fatties fuel society’s growing sizeism

By Cat Pause, Massey University

Stories on street harassment are popping up across the fat-o-sphere. Popular bloggers such as the Fat Heffalump are sharing their stories; and Adipositivity Project founder Substantia Jones has created…

15 February 2013

Fdnbb78r-1360211647 — We need to teach girls to value more than just looks. Steven Depolo

Teaching girls to prioritise function over form for better body image

By Bree Abbott, Murdoch University

The body is a gateway to experiencing and exploring the world. It’s the first thing people see when they look at us and it’s the canvas on which we express who we are. But the relationship we have with…

30 November 2012

2d5hbf7f-1352942327 — Unrealistic advertising can severely damage individual self-esteem. Ed Yourdan/Flickr.

Reining in advertisers to curb Australia’s body image distortion

By Nives Zubcevic-Basic, Swinburne University of Technology

Body image may be the western world’s ugliest export. Images of thin, toned women and hyper-muscular men are conveyed via television, magazines, movies and the internet to the global market. The ideal…

11 September 2012

G2cb334f-1344494262 — Skin lightening products promise a new and improved image. pedrosimoes

Time for a reality check on skin lightening creams

By Rebecca Goldstein, Western Health

Western society’s obsession with skin tanning is well recognised but we’re often less aware of the aggressive pursuit of fair skin by those with darker skin. In communities where light skin is associated…

11 June 2012

Ggcppppb-1339122509 — Some teenage boys hope this is true, but most others will be relieved to know it’s a myth. Dharion

Monday’s medical myth: shaved hair grows back faster and thicker

By Michael Vagg, Barwon Health

Hair removal is a modern obsession. Despite the economic downturn, the beauty industry is booming, and it seems that a big part of looking good is getting rid of unwanted hair. Men as well as women are…

21 March 2012

6sw2pqff-1331859759 — The ideal of beauty embodied by models is unattainable for most people. AAP

The bane of the body beautiful

By Nives Zubcevic-Basic, Swinburne University of Technology

The first of the yearly “fashion weeks” has just ended in Melbourne. Along with the glamour and excitement, the models were out in force showcasing the latest fashion to the undivided attention of the…

8 February 2012

Px29yj9s-1324007855 — Men’s pursuit of muscularity, leanness and youthfulness aren’t new. The Shark

Boys aren’t immune to body image pressures – and never have been

By Lina Ricciardelli, Deakin University

Male beauty and body image receive far less attention in the media and academia than the female body. That’s despite buff, lean and muscular male bodies becoming an increasingly popular features of blockbuster…

1 November 2011

Laura_mary — Promises of a quick weight-loss fix mask the realities of liposuction. Laura Mary

Quick and easy, or painful and risky? The truth about liposuction

By Rhian Parker

Welcome to part seven of The science behind weight loss, a Conversation series in which we separate the myths about dieting from the realities of exercise and nutrition. Here, health sociologist Rhian…

26 October 2011

Jaimelondonboy — Group therapy programs aim to counter the influence of these images and reduce body dissatisfaction. Flickr/jaimelondonboy

Feel manipulated? Anxious? Tune out the hype and learn to love your body

By Susan J Paxton, La Trobe University

Welcome to part three of The science behind weight loss, a Conversation series in which we separate the myths about dieting from the realities of exercise and nutrition. Here, Professor Susan Paxton, from…