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Fashion loves Ozempic. Should we talk about it?
Oct 14, 2024
Jo Ellison, former features editor at British Vogue and current editor of HTSI, discusses the fashion industry's complicated relationship with weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. She highlights concerns about a potential return to glorifying thinness and the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. The conversation touches on the accessibility of Ozempic, revealing stark disparities between wealthy celebrities and the general public. Ellison reflects on how these trends impact individuality and the evolving perceptions of body image in today’s culture.
20:51
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Quick takeaways
- The fashion industry's renewed focus on thinness, fueled by weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, threatens to undo recent progress toward body inclusivity.
- Societal perceptions of weight loss now intertwine with moral judgment, complicating the narrative of self-discipline and reinforcing socioeconomic disparities in access to weight-loss treatments.
Deep dives
The Shift in Body Ideals and Trends
The fashion industry has increasingly favored thinness, with supermodels and industry professionals prioritizing a slim physique. Observations during recent fashion months reveal a troubling trend of significant weight loss among many individuals, indicating a possible reliance on weight loss medications like Ozempic. This reliance raises concerns about the normalization of unhealthy standards in fashion, particularly among those at an average weight trying to shed a few pounds. The return of extremely thin aesthetics on the catwalk signifies a regression from recent movements towards body inclusivity, which had promised greater representation in the fashion space.
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