Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look at what has been in vogue in regards to body types and why body esteem is so relevant to psychological health. A study revealed that the “ideal woman” has had her silhouette put through a series of fun house mirrors. It changes almost as much as fashion in that the physical qualities that we embrace today may be gone tomorrow. And bodies just don’t change that much or that often, yet we try to mold our own body into whatever is most in fashion at the time, often going against our physique and body type. In the 40’s the military shoulders and pointed bras which were referred to as “bullet” were fashionable and a reflection of World War II. Fast forward to the 50’s which was the decade of the hourglass figure. Playboy magazine and Barbie emerged during this decade and a small waist and perfectly perky large breasts were emphasized. The 60’s reflected the motto that “thin is in” and an androgynous figure was to be celebrated with no more girdles. Weight Watchers was founded in 1963 because more women wanted to diet to achieve this body type. The 70’s era of discotheques, bellbottoms, and platform shoes maintained that the ideal body was still lean, but curvy hips were popular again. The 80’s introduced the fitness era which was a step in the right direction, but many women felt enormous pressure to not only be thin, but fit as well. And, this is when ageism began in that women of all ages were being held to the same standard of fitness representing youth. The 90’s introduced the waif look and a disturbing trend known as “heroin chic”.  As we approached the millennial, a lean but curvaceous body was the ideal look and Victoria Secret’s lingerie dominated the runway. In the 2000’s booties became all the rage and eventually you could actually purchase a “butt bra” for extra padding. One of the newest trends for women in swimsuits is to capture a pose called “Barbie feet” where you point and stand on your tippy toes in hopes of giving the illusion that you are taller and more slender.

Is your head spinning yet? Mine certainly is! Let me recap the figure fads over the decades: breasts that can be pointed like Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour to androgynous breasts; a voluptuous figure that can be modified to a “thin is in” body type; a waif look that has to suddenly become more physically fit; and buttocks that can go from flat to nicely rounded. The relevance of this historical account is to be cognizant of the fact that the societal norms for the “perfect figure” are unrealistic and unobtainable.

Learning to view your body through your own lens is the first step to enhancing body esteem. Historically, many of us have looked to body type trends throughout the decades to emulate, but I am suggesting a more current yet long-term approach to body esteem that embraces our individuality. The following are methods on how to boost your body esteem:

• Complete a resting metabolic test to determine your individual caloric intake
• Do not attempt to emulate figure trends that are currently in vogue
• Embrace your unique physical characteristics such as dimples
• Dress to flatter your figure and flaunt your favorite features (#FYFF)
• Accept that your body will not respond to exercise, weight loss or gain the same as others

When it comes to figure fads over the decades, celebrate your exquisite and unique body by becoming your own body trend setter!