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>The world is growing fatter by the year so it does not seem as though people are too stressed about those conceptions of the body being thrown around. You are

>The world is growing fatter by the year so it does not seem as though people are too stressed about those conceptions of the body being thrown around. You are assuming that seeing an impressive physique would inspire people to attain it. That doesn't follow. Stress, depression, and low-self esteem can encourage overeating or a sedentary lifestyle. If someone believes they cannot compete with others, they may give up entirely.

Jtsummers 6y ago
I wonder if the issue is cultural. We've, mostly, come to understand the impact of the common media representation of (often) hyper thin "perfect" women on women and girls in general, which is a lot of the reason for pushback into various (often ad) campaigns to present more typical female forms. But, like many things, there's a lag in the appreciation that men can experience the same thing and have similar reactions. Perhaps because it occurs in smaller numbers (not sure), or just a different attitude towards how men should be. Admitting that men have similar body image issues and due to similar causes as women is harder for people to consider, let alone accept.
- WalterBright 6y ago
  Just look at the evolution of male movie stars. A handsome face and slim figure used to be all that was required (Clark Gable, Paul Newman, Peter O'Toole). Today the men have to be jacked (Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, George Clooney). You can bet that to be a male star in Hollywood requires a personal trainer and a lot of work.
  - Jtsummers 6y ago
    I had a similar image (though different individuals) in mind when I wrote my post. Older leading men were also in good shape, notable in a number of roles when they appeared shirtless or in short sleeve shirts, but rarely did they get to the extreme leanness (and muscularity) that modern (2010s in particular) leading men seem to be aiming for.

Jtsummers 6y ago

I wonder if the issue is cultural. We've, mostly, come to understand the impact of the common media representation of (often) hyper thin "perfect" women on women and girls in general, which is a lot of the reason for pushback into various (often ad) campaigns to present more typical female forms. But, like many things, there's a lag in the appreciation that men can experience the same thing and have similar reactions. Perhaps because it occurs in smaller numbers (not sure), or just a different attitude towards how men should be. Admitting that men have similar body image issues and due to similar causes as women is harder for people to consider, let alone accept.

WalterBright 6y ago
Just look at the evolution of male movie stars. A handsome face and slim figure used to be all that was required (Clark Gable, Paul Newman, Peter O'Toole). Today the men have to be jacked (Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, George Clooney). You can bet that to be a male star in Hollywood requires a personal trainer and a lot of work.
- Jtsummers 6y ago
  I had a similar image (though different individuals) in mind when I wrote my post. Older leading men were also in good shape, notable in a number of roles when they appeared shirtless or in short sleeve shirts, but rarely did they get to the extreme leanness (and muscularity) that modern (2010s in particular) leading men seem to be aiming for.