Looking in the mirror doesn't have the same effect for everyone. For some, it's the cursory check that they are ready to leave the house. For others, it can be a more intrusive look at the pimple that simply won't budge or stomach flab that is just as stubborn. In the digital world that we live in, the diet we're consuming of waif thin supermodels on the ramp and filtered photos on social media has a tremendous effect on what we think we see in the mirror, even if that's not actually what is there. If you thought you were the only one who felt insecure at the way your waist is not-so-tiny and skin that owns visible pores, think again.
(Also Read: Even If Chrissy Teigen Believes She "Never Had A Waist", Her Body Positivity Is Boundless)
Hollywood actress Lili Reinhart shared her thoughts on X about the effect that mainstream media has had on her own self-image. In the message, she said, "I wish there were more average sized arms represented in mainstream media for women. My body dysmorphia has been going crazy because I feel like my arms need to be half the size they are currently? We've glamorized these skinny arms that, for most of us, can only be achieved if you're a literal adolescent."
In her next message, she continued, "I truly wonder how anyone survives or gets through this life without having severe BD. Maybe it's a cruel amplified version in combination with my OCD, but damn. The amount of time I've wasted thinking about my arms in the last few months is insane. I wanted to throw my own thoughts out there to let other women know they aren't alone."
Many users positively replied in unison about how openly she spoke about her own body image, some sharing their own personal experiences.
It can often feel like every part of a woman's body is under a microscope for whether it falls within the constructs of what society deems to be appropriate. This has gone on for centuries and more, so breaking those shackles are a tough task. Not only is Lili's view on body image in the media a thought-provoking one, it's also influential enough to change the way thousands of women feel about their own arms.
We're glad that celebrities like Lili have taken it on themselves to attempt to break the shackles at least, one empowering thought at a time.
(Also Read: "Weight Loss Should Not Consist Of Fad Diets Or Bizarre Routines": Masaba Gupta In Her Body Transformation Series)
