As someone who has always been on the thinner side, I’ve frequently encountered the assumption that being thin automatically equals being healthy. In movies, TV shows, and advertisements, thin people are often portrayed as the epitome of health, fitness, and self-discipline, while larger body types are associated with poor health, laziness, or lack of control. However, this oversimplification ignores the reality that thinness does not always mean good health, just as a larger body does not necessarily mean poor health.
The media often constructs an image of thinness that equates to beauty, success, and well-being. Magazine covers, fashion ads, and even medical advertisements tend to feature slim, toned individuals as representations of an ideal lifestyle. TV shows and movies further reinforce this by portraying thin characters as attractive and socially desirable, while overweight characters are frequently used for comedic relief or as cautionary tales about unhealthy habits.
One of the most striking examples of this is the wellness and fitness industry. Many advertisements for weight loss programs, supplements, and “clean eating” trends imply that a smaller body is the ultimate goal, rather than focusing on actual health markers like strength, mobility, or mental well-being. Even social media influencers who promote “healthy lifestyles” often showcase extreme dieting and exercise routines that prioritize maintaining a low body weight over true well-being.
However, this construction is deeply flawed because it erases the experiences of people who may be struggling with underlying health conditions despite their thin appearance. For example, people with chronic illnesses, eating disorders, or metabolic conditions can be underweight but far from healthy.
The biggest issue with the media’s portrayal of thinness is the lack of context. Some of the key questions we should ask are:
- Whose story is being told? The dominant narrative focuses on people who are thin by choice, through diet and exercise, but ignores those who are thin due to illness, genetics, or other factors beyond their control.
- What information is missing? The reality that people can struggle with serious health issues—such as autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, digestive issues, or malnutrition—while appearing slim is rarely discussed.
- What biases are implied? The idea that thin equals healthy and overweight equals unhealthy reinforces dangerous biases in medical settings, where people in larger bodies may not receive proper care, and thin individuals may have their health concerns dismissed.
Examples in Media
- Victoria’s Secret and the Fashion Industry
For decades, Victoria’s Secret promoted an ultra-thin body standard as the ideal form of beauty. Their models, known as “Angels,” were praised for their lean physiques, reinforcing the idea that thinness equals attractiveness and desirability. However, many of these models followed extreme diets, excessive exercise regimens, and sometimes unhealthy habits to maintain their size. This representation ignored the diversity of body types and the reality that being thin does not always mean being healthy. (New York Times – Victoria’s Secret Rebrand ) - Social Media and the “That Girl” Trend
The “That Girl” trend on TikTok and Instagram promotes a lifestyle centered around waking up early, drinking green smoothies, working out, and looking effortlessly polished—all while being thin. While the trend encourages self-care, it subtly reinforces the idea that success and happiness are tied to a specific body type. Many influencers who embody this aesthetic often omit the struggles they face, such as disordered eating or chronic illness, leaving followers with an unrealistic perception of what “health” looks like. (Washington Post – The Harmful Influence of the “That Girl” Trend )
This stereotype can be incredibly harmful. People who are naturally thin or have underlying health issues may face constant scrutiny, with comments like, “You’re so lucky to be skinny!” or “You must eat whatever you want!” These statements disregard the reality that some thin individuals struggle with nutrient deficiencies, chronic pain, or serious medical conditions. Additionally, this stereotype can discourage people from seeking medical attention because they assume that being thin means they must be healthy.
On the other side, people in larger bodies who are healthy and active may be dismissed or judged unfairly because they do not fit the thin ideal. This can lead to harmful medical biases where doctors overlook genuine health concerns in thin patients while attributing unrelated symptoms to weight in larger patients.