Celebs - you may love them or hate them but it's hard to argue with their influence. They might help us gauge what or what not to wear. Some may use their fame to discuss important environmental issues. Others even have political influence. What Integrated Eating nutritionists are interested in however, is the influence celebrities - actors, singers/songwriters have on body image and the foods we eat. And while it may look like these entertainers appear “perfect”, they too struggle.

Recent news has showcased celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift opening up about their stuggles with eating and body image. While it may be difficult for these folks in the limelight to come forward in discussing their challenges, our recoverying community has benefitted by sharing their truth with the world.

Heads up: if you haven't seen the film yet there are a few spoilers ahead. Taylor Swift released a documentary "Miss Americana" this month and indirectly spoke to her struggles with body image and eating. Say what you want about T-Swift or the film, it has brought a much needed and much appreciated attention to these important issues.

The film reveals some harsh commentary that has been said about the singer, including a TV talk show host saying "she's too skinny. It bothers me". Taylor speaks to the unhealthy part of being famous - always seeing photos of herself. In her case, this led to an over analysis of her body, and poor body image. In the movie, she admits seeing a picture of herself where she thought her stomach looked big and how it triggered her to restrict her eating. She opens up in the movie about reading tabloids stating she was pregnant, and she wasn't. She registered these comments sensitively which would lead to self-punitive behaviors. As a result, she would eat a less than optimal diet, which created a vicious and unhealthy cycle.

Taylor makes mention of the difficulties of living in the world of social media. She states, "we’re seeing so much on social media that makes us feel like we are less than, or we’re not what we should be, that you kind of need a mantra to repeat in your head when you start to have harmful or unhealthy thoughts. ”

Hands up if you have ever seen a photo on Instagram you didn't like of yourself. Majority of us have felt this way (myself included) every now and again. But for some, this has led to more than a moment of disenchantment. Studies have concluded that with greater frequency of viewing Instagram, there was an increase in self-objectification and concerns with body image. In addition, research also shows exposure to thin media images significantly increased body dissatisfaction among young adult women from different cultures. What's most important is that regardless of how we feel about our photos, we take care of ourselves, be kind to our bodies and become advocates for body positivity.

Speaking of advocating, Swift reveals her own challenges about sepaking up about her issues."I think I've never wanted to talk about it, and I'm pretty uncomfortable talking about it now." What's to be appreciated about this is that YES - talking about disordered eating is awkward. BUT - we are better off being awkward and taking care of our bodies and our minds than not talking at all.

There are some points we'd like to highlight related to the film.

Disordered eating comes in many forms.

As a practitioner, I’ve often heard things like, "It's not like I have an eating disorder." Suboptimal relationships with food and the body come in many forms. Do you feel bad in your clothes more days that you feel good? Do you avoid social eating experiences? Are there some foods you "avoid" just because (other than a medical documented allergy)? It might be time to start the conversation. Noone deserves to feel good in their body more than you do!

I'm not underweight so I'm fine.

False. As Taylor mentions throughout the film her weight has fluctuated - but even when she was a "normal" weight she wasn't taking care of herself. As stated before, disordered habits, feelings and behaviors can happen at any weight, age, size, color etc. Regardless of weight, someone can be dealing with disordered eating and body image concerns. Someone does not have to be "thin" or "skinny" to warrant help or advice from a professional.

Social media access.

Taylor mentions following body positive celebs like Jameela Jamil and Brene Brown as role models. Unfollow any accounts that have you questioning your diet, your body. As previously noted we must be advocates of body positivity. As Integrated Eating dietitans can attest -several people on the internet feel entitled to tell you what you should eat, wear and look like. But NOT all of these folks are qualified. Only seek out nutritional guidance from trusted, trained clinicians.

As for that mantra Taylor suggests, we have a few of our own:

YOU ARE ENOUGH.
YOU ARE PERFECT IN YOUR IMPERFECTIONS.
YOUR BODY IS A SACRED TEMPLE.
YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO HEAL ALREADY INSIDE OF YOU.

References:

chris william variety 2020
cnet 2020 Mercey Livingston

Fardouly, J., Willburger, B. K., & Vartanian, L. R. (2018). Instagram use and young women’s body image concerns and self-objectification: Testing mediational pathways. New Media & Society, 20(4), 1380–1395. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461444817694499

Nagar, I., & Virk, R. (2017). The Struggle Between the Real and Ideal: Impact of Acute Media Exposure on Body Image of Young Indian Women. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244017691327