Introduction

Any time you watch television or scroll social media you will see advertisements or content about losing weight and changing the way your body looks. Even whole television series are dedicated to weight loss. The amount of money we spend on weight loss has increased significantly in recent years largely due to the popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and other GLP-1’s. In 2019, the market for weight loss products was approximately $33 billion and in 2023 Americans spent $90 billion on weight loss products such as weight loss drugs and supplements, diet plans, and online support groups. Approximately $71 billion was spent on weight loss drugs in 2023. Most of these attempts at weight loss are unsuccessful long term and Americans are still dissatisfied with their bodies. It is estimated that between 27-55% of American adults report wanting to lose weight with higher rates of body dissatisfaction among adults who are classified as obese and teen girls. At the same time, there has been a rise in popularity of the body positivity movement on social media. This body positivity movement promotes acceptance of all bodies no matter the size, shape, skin tone, or physical abilities. So, have Americans had enough of the unrealistic beauty standards promoted in the media? Or are we right to be concerned about our weight? Let’s dive in.