In a world obsessed with beauty trends, how far is too far?
The global market for weight loss drugs is expected to reach $33 billion by 2025, with Ozempic at the forefront. In the same vein, the number of Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures has skyrocketed by 77% in the past five years, despite its high risk of complications. In this article, we’ll delve into the societal pressures and trends that have led to the rise of Ozempic, a weight loss drug, and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs).
Ozempic
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a drug originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. Ozempic works by imitating the hormone GLP-1, which is in charge of regulating blood sugar levels and insulin production.
Of late, Ozempic has gained popularity as a weight loss drug due to its ability to suppress the appetite of the user, thus promoting weight loss.
This feature can be attributed to celebrities and influencers’ interest in the drug, leading to an increase in its demand, even with its potential side effects and the moral/ethical implications of using a diabetes medication for weight loss.
BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts)
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that has to do with transferring fat from other parts of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) to the buttocks to improve their size and shape.
The procedure has grown increasingly popular since it first emerged in the mid 2010s, driven by the desire for an hourglass figure heavily popularized by celebrities and social media influencers.
But even through its popularity, BBLs pose great risks, including fat embolism, infection, and even death, not to mention its high complication rate, yet, the demand keeps growing due to societal pressures.
The Historical Context of Women’s Beauty Standards
The societal pressures on women to fit into whatever beauty standards trending at a particular time have undergone significant transformations throughout history, influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors.
In ancient civilizations, such as Egypt and Greece, one’s beauty was often linked to symmetry, proportion, and physical fitness. During the Renaissance, fuller figures were sought after as they were considered markers of wealth and fertility. In the Victorian era, there was a shift towards modesty and a preference for pale skin.
The 20th century brought rapid-fire changes, with each decade introducing new body ideals. In the 1920s flapper era, boyish figures became acceptable, while in the 1950s the hourglass shape epitomized by Marilyn Monroe was the rage.
The 1960s and 70s saw slimmer, androgynous bodies, influenced by models like Twiggy become popular. This all quickly changed in the 1980s as there was a fitness craze, shifting the ideal beauty into toned, athletic bodies. The 1990s saw a comeback on skinniness as the waif-like figure of supermodels like Kate Moss became the new standard.
Throughout these periods, the media, celebrities and now influencers have played vital roles in shaping and popularizing beauty standards.
The media (magazines, movies, and later, television) provided visual representations of the ideal body, influencing the public perception on what the ideal body should be at any given time. Now, with the rise of social media in the 21st century, these pressures have become amplified, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcasing curated images of beauty that often stress perfection and promote unattainable standards.
The Impact of Ozempic and BBL on Women’s Health
1. Physical Health Risks
Ozempic:
- – Pancreatitis
- – Thyroid Cancer
- – Kidney Damage
- – Diabetic Retinopathy
- – Gallbladder Issues
BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts):
- – Fat Embolism
- – Infection
- – Scarring and Asymmetry
- – Anesthesia Risks
2. Mental Health Risks
- – Body Dysmorphia
- – Low Self-Esteem
- – Eating Disorders
- – Anxiety and Depression
On Curbing These Harmful Beauty Standards
Society has a huge role to play in nipping the harmful beauty standards in the bud. Some of the ways this can be done include:
a. Policy and Regulation:
Governments and relevant regulatory bodies can implement policies to protect consumers from misleading adverts and questionable procedures. This can include stricter regulations on the retail of weight loss drugs and cosmetic surgeries, and ensuring that medical practitioners adhere to the strictest ethical standards.
b. Body Positivity Movement:
The body positivity movement encourages the acceptance of all body types and challenges the notion that a woman’s beauty is tied to a particular size or shape. The media, brands, and influencers have a crucial role to play in promoting diverse representations of beauty.
Conclusion
It is important to reflect on the impact of societal beauty standards on our health and well-being, especially as women. We have the right to challenge the notion that beauty is defined by a specific body type and instead, promote the diversity of beauty in all its forms. By promoting self-love, us women can help reduce the pressures that drive individuals to extreme measures and promote a healthier, more inclusive society.
If you have any thoughts or experiences to share as regards to this topic, please feel free to comment below.
