Unrealistic body standards taking toll on mental health
The growing obsession with dramatic weight loss among Hollywood stars is having a damaging ripple effect on ordinary people's mental wellbeing, a leading Pretoria-based psychologist has cautioned. From Ariana Grande's increasingly frail frame sparking fan concern to Kelly Osbourne facing public scrutiny over her gaunt appearance at a recent event, the parade of shrinking celebrities has become impossible to ignore.
Dr Carin Human, a counselling psychologist practising in Pretoria, warns that these highly visible weight loss trends in celebrity culture are directly undermining people's self-worth and contributing to a rise in eating disorders. She points to social media as a powerful amplifier of the problem, fundamentally distorting how individuals perceive both themselves and the world around them.
"The influence of social media is very large. Many people, especially young people, idealize certain celebrities based on what they have achieved, what they look like, what they wear, or how muscular they are. Unfortunately, social media and celebrities create an unrealistic picture."
Human explained that the physiques displayed by famous figures are frequently not the product of balanced nutrition, regular exercise or an ordinary budget. When everyday people chase these unattainable ideals, the consequences can be severe — ranging from body dysmorphia, which involves an obsessive focus on perceived physical flaws, to anxiety, depression and chronic dissatisfaction. She added that the fallout often extends to restrictive dieting, compulsive over-exercising and strained personal relationships.
The line between healthy habits and dangerous obsession
Drawing a critical distinction, Human stressed that choosing to shed weight in a responsible manner is fundamentally different from developing an eating disorder. A balanced approach to weight management involves realistic thinking, a clear purpose and a sense of satisfaction when health objectives are met. An eating disorder, by contrast, is never a choice.
"Weight loss and controlling food intake becomes an obsession. It can have an element of secrecy, where there is lying about what and how much has been eaten. The target weight is constantly pushed forward and takes over the person's thinking."
Those trapped in disordered eating patterns are often unable to recognise the warning signs in their own behaviour, Human noted. Individuals become so deeply entangled in destructive thought cycles and harmful habits that gaining any objective perspective becomes extraordinarily difficult. They seldom view their own conduct as obsessive or dangerous, making self-awareness a crucial first step toward recovery.
The roots of eating disorders are complex and varied, according to Human. Contributing factors include growing up in households where unhealthy attitudes toward food and exercise are normalised, experiences of trauma or bullying, conflict-laden relationships, feelings of powerlessness, low self-confidence, perfectionism, fear of judgement, persistent negative thinking patterns and chronic dieting. Using food as a mechanism to reclaim a sense of control is another common trigger.
"There will always be someone thinner, taller, smarter or richer. Make an effort to be happy with yourself. Spend time on what fills your tank. Work on effective coping skills in different aspects of your life. Fill your life with healthy relationships. Talk to a professional if necessary."
Despite the severity of the issue, Human maintains that recovery is achievable. She urges parents, friends and relatives of those battling eating disorders to remain vigilant for behavioural changes and to approach their loved ones with compassion rather than judgement. Early intervention and professional support, she emphasised, can make a meaningful difference in turning the tide against this growing crisis.
South Africa's youth, among the continent's most active social media users, face heightened exposure to the celebrity body ideals described by Dr Human, making disordered eating a growing public health concern in a country where mental health services remain underfunded and unevenly distributed. The pressure on young people could strain already overburdened clinics and counselling programmes, particularly in underserved communities. Greater investment in accessible mental health support and digital literacy initiatives may help curb the trend before it deepens.
