Plus size is now considered the new average: American women are big and beautiful.

Social media has changed almost every part of our lives, and a study shows it has also greatly impacted beauty standards.

In the past, beauty standards for women were very limited. From Marilyn Monroe’s curves in the 1950s to the skinny models of the 1990s, the ideal body type has evolved with each generation. However, one thing remained the same: women were often expected to fit into a single standard set by pop culture and advertising.

But social media has changed that by broadening beauty standards like never before. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube feature creators of all sizes, shapes, and colors. This move towards inclusivity is changing how people see their own bodies, allowing audiences to finally see representation beyond size 0 models in mainstream media.

Plus is now the new average.

Interestingly, as American women embrace body positivity and size inclusivity, research shows they are also becoming larger than before.

A study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education indicates that the term ‘average’ has been redefined.

In the past, American women were told that the average size was 14, but this study suggests that ‘contrary to popular beliefs, the average American woman’s (AAW’s) clothing size is larger than expected.’

‘On average, American women wear between a misses size 16 to 18, which is equivalent to a women’s plus size 20W,’ the study reveals, noting that the average waist size has increased from 34.9 inches to 37.5 inches over the last twenty years.

“We hope this information reaches both the industry and consumers. Just understanding the average can greatly assist many women with their self-esteem,” said Susan Dunn, one of the lead experts of the study, in an interview with Today. “We also hope the apparel industry recognizes these figures and understands that these women are here to stay; they won’t just vanish, and they deserve proper clothing.”

She continues, “The clothing should not only fit well in terms of style and size but also be accessible beyond just the back corners of stores or exclusively online, which remains a debated issue.”

Why Are American Women Getting Bigger?

Statistics indicate that the average American woman is now larger than in past decades. The CDC reports that the average weight of an American woman is approximately 170.6 pounds, compared to 140 pounds in the 1960s.

Several factors contribute to this trend:

• Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary jobs, increased calorie intake, and the prevalence of processed foods are significant factors.
• Cultural Shifts: There is a growing acceptance and celebration of larger bodies, which lessens the societal pressure to diet excessively.
• Genetics and Environment: Genetics, along with environmental influences like stress and access to nutritious foods, affect body sizes.

Not a ‘cosmetic concern’

Social media has undeniably transformed how we connect, consume, and live. While its impact has brought many benefits, such as global connectivity and information access, it also has a darker aspect: its subtle yet significant role in the increase of obesity rates, which the World Health Organization states has doubled since 1990.

Social media can promote unhealthy habits and encourage people to be inactive, which can lead to weight gain. Although being big might be seen as beautiful, the Mayo Clinic points out that “obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern.”

“It’s a medical issue that raises the risk of many other diseases and health problems,” the clinic states about the 2.5 billion adults worldwide who are overweight. “Health problems include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, sleep apnea, and some cancers.”

In the end, beauty is not about fitting into a specific mold but about celebrating individuality. Social media is helping to spread that message – and if used wisely, it can keep changing beauty standards in positive ways.

What do you think about social media and how it affects beauty standards? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share this story with your friends so we can get their opinions too!