Interviewer:
Hi, I just wanted to start off the interview by asking if you’ve had any personal experience with body shaming or negative body image, or if you’ve noticed anyone around you being body shamed or dealing with negative body image. If you’re not comfortable sharing, just your general views on it would be great.
Zara:
Well, growing up, I feel like I was always scared to eat too much or eat unhealthy things. I was scared I was gonna get too fat or that I was fat in general. I was always worried about looking a certain way, and I couldn’t eat without feeling stressed because it was always in the back of my mind.
Interviewer:
Who do you think influenced you in that sense to think that way?
Zara:
I feel like social media played a big role in influencing me. You see all these influencers with wide, skinny, “perfect” bodies, and you compare yourself to them. Also, I feel like it’s just a thing where the popular girls are always the skinniest, and you start to think that’s the standard.
Interviewer:
At what age do you think you really started thinking about all of this?
Zara:
I feel like it started in middle school, like around sixth or seventh grade, especially during COVID.
Interviewer:
Do you think that’s why, especially because our organization is dedicated to improving body image across all individuals, particularly the younger generation? We believe that’s when you’re most vulnerable. Do you think that’s the case?
Zara:
Yeah, for sure. I feel like what you think when you’re younger stays with you more. So, if you can change your mindset when you’re young, it can help you when you’re older.
Interviewer:
Exactly. And one last question. Just a general message that you’d want to put out there. What do you think everyone should always keep in mind when dealing with negative body image and body shaming?
Zara:
I feel like you can never be someone else. You will always look different. There’s not one set definition for “pretty.” It’s different for everyone.
Interviewer:
Okay, thank you. That was really insightful!