Do plus size models encourage obesity?

Plus size models may be linked to poor health choices and rising obesity rates among consumers according to a study out of Simon Fraser University in Canada, and published in the American Marketing Association’s Journal of Public Policy & Marketing. The main problem is the use of the words “real” and “normal”, often associated when plus sized woman are shown.

“I encourage people to drop those terms, like ‘real’ or ‘curves,’ because for me everyone is different and that’s the beauty of the world. We don’t and can’t all look the same,” said an Australian “plus size” model Laura Wells, “We definitely need diversity in the industry. I hate being called a ‘real woman’ because everyone is real.” she added.

Catherine McGill, General Manager of Vivien’s Model Management to news.com.au, said: “Skinny models encourage anorexia, and now using ‘real’ and ‘normal’ models encourage obesity. You can’t win.”

Christine Morgan, the foundation’s CEO told News.com.au: “At a time when eating disorders are affecting close to one million Australians, The Butterfly Foundation feels there needs to be a strong focus on health, not weight and that equal consideration should be given to the social, emotional and physical aspects of health.”

Best case scenario is that all types of body sizes are used in advertisements, so they can avoid being a bad influence on woman. Using a variety of sizes, that doesn’t place value or judgment on a certain body type, means people won’t have their attention and focus on a particular body size.

A body is a body just as a person no matter what they look like is real. So what do you think? Is the plus size revolution having a negative effect on society and the healthy body image?