Reader comments
Why are American women dissatisfied with their bodies?

Anonymous | 6:56 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

Stop eating when you're full? What a concept. So we're calling that "intuitive eating" now? I'll have to remember that one.

interesting | 6:59 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

Only weight was talked about in this story. It is amazing, especially for one involved in the industry, how much growth the plastic or "reconstructive" surgery industry has experienced in the recent years. It is something that has obviousley taken off in the Salt Lake Region as well. Take a look at all of the bill boards. Wow...

Anonymous | 7:51 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

For how concerned women supposedly are about their weight, there sure don't seem to do anything about it. Everywhere I go I'm surrounded by people, including women who are 100lbs overweight. Far more women are dying or suffereing illness from increased weight than from decreased weight.

Comments continue below

John Charity Spring | 8:51 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

This article raises an important issue. Modern society has become so obsessed with being politically correct that it is afraid to promote the healthy values that made this Country great. The politically correct idea that everyone should be happy with their bodies, no matter what, has created an epidemic of obesity, gluttony, and laziness. Too many women, and men, have accepted this modern view that self-gratification without regard to the consequences is perfectly acceptable. If our society does not abandon this view and return to the practices of moderation, prudence, and self-control, our society will continue to degenerate.

Liz | 10:15 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

This article was not about promoting laziness and gluttony. Many women (and men, I bet) are healthy and take care of themselves but they still don't look like models. That's the whole point: health should be the goal, not appearing perfectly gorgeous.

Thin for one | 10:15 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

may just be comfortable for another. The news reports keep saying that more than 80% of Americans are not just overweight, but OBESE. Stop using food as a hobby or as an excuse to keep from being bored. Get out there and do some physical work. You'll lose weight, gain muscle, sleep better and feel better about yourself! And skip cosmetic surgery altogether unless it's to improve your health.

Kathy | 10:59 p.m. Oct. 18, 2009

I like Liz's comment. I am one who is very healthy and seen as an attractive girl. However I relate with this article and have struggled often in my life with body image. However, despite all the pressure that results from media and others I know that what women really need to recognize is that they are NOT objects, but human beings with great potential regardless of the body they were born with. I believe the body is a sacred gift and should be well cared for with proper nutrition and exercise. However the obsession with the body can deter us from joyful and self-confident living. It can detract us from all of the other great pursuits in life that bring satisfaction and purpose such as knowledge, service, and most especially child bearing and raising families. As long as men and/or women view the body as an "object" they will never find happiness with themselves or their relationships, especially their marriages and their intamcy in their marriage.

The Deuce | 12:23 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I too agree with Liz that health should be the focus here. As a man, I can say that I find a body in balance to be attractive. You will notice that I did not define a specific body type. I said "in balance" as I believe this is the most healthy. Yes, it does require that the individial eat right, get rest, engage in a physical exercise program on a daily basis. I challenge everyone to live by these principles and you will find the body and look you want plus feel better and sleep at night. Now, get up off the couch and go do something positive for yourself.

tmh | 6:56 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

the reality of the situation is that 86% of us probably do need to loose weight!

Anonymous | 6:59 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Hey ladies: get over it. Men like you the way you are. Stop trying to impress us.

Health | 8:06 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Without a doubt the focus of our society needs to be on health. Many of those skinny little models are not healthy and so many of us are over weight and sedantary. We need to promote a lifestyle that is healthy and active. That is what is good for men and women alike.

But like another who commented, I am shocked at the number of women who have undergone surgical enhancements to "improve" their self image. It is a real shame that women feel this is needed. I would much rather be with a natural women who is active, healthy and happy with herself.

just an observation | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I am a woman who is naturally thin with no health problems. I have never dieted. I have been trying to gain weight for nearly two decades because I am considered to be under weight by societies standard. The average/normal size for a woman is considered to be a size 10/12. I'm a size 2/4. On the other side of the spectrum, it is very hard for some people, like myself, to put on weight. But nobody really talks about that. I'm 'abnormal' because I don't weigh 135lbs. This idea that we have to be a certain size in order to be accepted is destroying peoples' self esteem in all sizes not just fat.

It's always about feeling | 8:54 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

sorry for yourself. You know, things are tuff all over. So, stop looking at yourselves and start seeing others. See what you can do for others today and spend a few less hours in front of the mirror. Sure, we would all like to look like models, but there are other models out there. Jesus was a model, a role model. Stop worrying about your looks and things you can't change and look at the things that matter. You don't have to look like a movie star to help others and make the world a better place. Some of the most beautiful people I know are over weight or have some feature that others may not like. Want to feel good about yourself? Then remember the Golden Rule. How about a random act of kindness today? Try to make someone feel happy about themselves today, pass on a nice word or give a few dollars to a good cause. Just a thought...

clothes | 9:19 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

It doesn't help when the cute clothes don't come in the size you would like. The shape is there, just not the size. Also = The material for larger women is almost "granny-like", and it is uncomely.

So - what is the problem? Not only seeing "smaller" images of celebrities, but not having the same opportunity to look good as well.

Advice to Women | 9:44 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

hmmm could it be because so many women are either ignored by men or cheated on with prettier women?

As a thin, average-looking woman (but not blonde and cute and perfect), I know what it's like to be judged simply by my looks. If I was prettier I'd have been asked out more or my handful of boyfriends wouldn't have been tempted by the gorgeous hotties with no personality. Because we all know men prefer looks to brains and personality.

So yea, of course women are self-conscious about their looks!

To girls who feel how I felt: Go for older men. The men your age don't care how gifted you are or how kind or how intelligent you are. The older men have grown past thinking a lustful relationship will fill their lives with joy and many of them know first-hand. Older men will appreciate you. Don't change for anyone!

to Anonymous | 6:59 a.m | 10:11 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Habla por ti, my friend. Most women I see any more are at least 50 lbs overweight, many much more. (Too many guys are too, but that's for another Des News article) I don't like that and most men I know don't either. I prefer my wife to try to impress me by caring about how she looks. I don't set her standards, but I like that she has them and tries to stick with them.

Anonymous | 10:52 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

We (women) are the only ones that can change the obsession with weight. Controlling the judgement of ourselves compared those seen in magazines is difficult though.

Perhaps writing letters en-masse to the designers telling them that their clothes look good on a size 0 but don't on us. Therefore we won't buy them. Design clothes that look good on a normal woman and then you'll get our money.

Nothing like money to gets someones attention

to Advice to Women | 10:55 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

So, what's your idea of "older," because I have to say that the men I know who are between 45 and 70 are just as attracted to pretty women as younger men(18 to 40)are. If you don't think so, watch their eyes when an attractive woman walks past them.

tony | 11:07 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I am very satisfied with womens bodies, tall short, slim, heavy, straight, crooked it doesnt really matter. just make me smile

Chris | 11:46 a.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Women are always disatisfied with themselves, it's PITIFUL.

Thank GOD I'm a MAN!

Advice to Women | 12:24 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

True, all men, no matter the age, are tempted to cheat (or think about it) on their aging or somewhat attractive wives for hotter ladies. But not all of them will. What I mean by "older" would have been better stated as "mature." Mature men will acknowledge a woman as attractive but won't necessarily fall all over themselves to get to her. Men who have been there done that know that a hottie isn't always the best companion. They have matured and realize that the woman they want to be with will not only be attractive to them (of course) but will also have more to give to the relationship than just being arm candy.

My husband finds other women attractive, but he finds me the most attractive because he values my personality and intelligence more than my looks (which he loves). My past failed relationships were with men who valued my personality, intelligence and looks to an extent, but valued other women's looks more.

I am satisfied with the way that I look now, but I feel for those other women suffering from the body image problems and insecurities. I've been there too!

I look, but don't act | 1:02 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I read the other day, that when men cheat on their wives, it is more often than not; with someone who they consider not as as attractive as their wife.
So what does this tell you? It tells me (a man) that women should concentrate more on being a good wife and not so much on being a good model.

Porn | 1:22 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

I've caught my husband checking out porn a couple of times, and that is the worst. I am 115 pounds and am in pretty good shape and I get checked out everywhere we go, so it's not like I am hideous or anything, but I am so insecure because of catching him looking at that revolting junk. Men who view that look at women as objects. Not as human beings. They treat women differently, in a bad way, and we begin to think if we look like models the men around us will treat us better, which is usually the case. It makes me sick.

Anonymous | 1:35 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Weight has little to do with men and cheating.

If we loose interest --
it's more because of who you are on the inside, than how you look to us on the outside.

Give me an chucky sweetheart over a thin biddy anyday.

Lisa | 1:36 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Until men stop looking (gawking) at other women, a woman will always feel she is not good enough. Too many men are addicted to porn and want to compare their wife or girlfriend to those images. Men need to stop looking at women as only things related to sex. When a woman sees her husband/boyfriend looking at other women she is going to compare herself to them.
Women stop letting your man think it is OK to just look. It's not OK; it should never be OK. Looking without touching is no excuse. Looking is wrong period.

Anonymous | 1:48 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

It's more about being available (socially, emotionally, and physically) than it is about being beautiful.

TF | 2:31 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

The reason why women obsess over their bodies is because successful men have made it abundantly clear that they will not accept a mate unless she is model size. Today even a slender size 8 woman cannot compete with the size 2 desires of men. And heaven forbid if she should be even more average or bigger.
For 8 years I did extreme exercising, starvation, and even surgery to maintain an un-natural size 6 because my boyfriend insisted that “his” woman had to be a size 6 or smaller. The best I could consistently maintain though was a size 8 so he broke up with me and is now married to a small woman of Asian decent. That seems to be the trend now for men who are un-accepting of full-bodied women.
After that I quit being concerned about my body but experiences in dating re-confirmed that most men have the same attitudes as my ex. It didn’t matter what assets, talents, or great character traits I had; I just wasn’t skinny enough to get their attention. So I quit trying to date at all and now I am a very happy size 16.

It's not just the media | 2:54 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

People actually ARE fatter (me included) and should feel a bit uneasy about it. Media is creating unrealistic stereo types, but also going to other way at the same time trying to convince people that being fat is OK and to just "love yourself". Teaching young girls that it is OK to be 25-30 pounds overweight is not any healthier than teaching them that they have to be a size zero.

@Lisa 1:36 p.m. | 3:38 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

"Women stop letting your man think it is OK to just look. It's not OK; it should never be OK. Looking without touching is no excuse. Looking is wrong period."

So you are saying that a woman can only find happiness if she marries a blind man?

Think | 3:44 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

There are many negative comments here about what men desire in women that are clouding the truth. It is a fact that the male is biochemically designed to be attracted to a mate that is HEALTHY in order to increase the chances of successful reproduction and long, active lives required for proper child-rearing. Part of being healthy, ladies, is regular exercise. So, put down your tubs of ice cream, and stop complaining about male desires which cannot be changed because it is how males have been designed/evolved.

It's everyone else | 4:10 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Nothing is your fault anymore. Could it just be that
you need to stop eating like you will never eat again? Try not eating for 24 hours to shrink your stomach a bit. If you are not hungry you are not loosing weight. You are fat because you eat too much. It has nothing to do with photos of thin people on TV. Get real, eat less and exercise more. That simple.

Men? | 4:28 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Women will never change their outlook on their bodies until men change their "ideal looking women".
To many girls do what they do to make men happy and so men will love them.

Re:Think...you are absolute prof that men are jerks! Men always use their "chemical nature" as reasons for being attracted to "HEALTHY" women. Just wondering are you a "HEALTHY" man, or do you need a little workout yourself?

Proof is in the comment | 4:53 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

As many men on here have clearly demonstrated, women are not respected by way too many men. Honestly, I am thinking that all women should give men up. Too many of them of them don't know what respect means. They view women as objects. Those men that are LDS and making these negatvie comments toward women good luck getting into the celestial kingdom. Go ahead and keep ogling other women and see how far that gets you in the afterlife.

Some Guy | 5:37 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

To all the ladies, I feel bad that body image is such a challenge for you. I don't discount that men look at women, but come on, you do the same. I am a bald 30 year old man and you are not checking me out, but you ARE looking at my 6'3" body builder friend with lustful eye. So come off your high horses and realize you do it to.

Venting is healthy too... | 5:46 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Go ahead and vent ladies... Get it out..... It's good for you!

Ahhhhh! Feel better now?

Now that we have that exercise over, let's look at the reality of the situation.

1. No matter how "perfect" (based on society's ideal) a woman's body may be, she will still likely be unhappy with it and will still compare herself to other women, at least until she stops paying attention to society. Perhaps the answer is to stop listening to people who don't really matter?

2. Just because a man is looking at another woman doesn't mean that he finds her attractive and is considering replacing you even if she's a cover girl model. I look at women for a variety of reasons (I'm single so I can get away with it). Mostly, I look at people and wonder what makes us tick. People just facinate me.

3. Every man has a different opinion of what they find attractive in a woman. At least for this guy, "Barbie = high maintenance = stay away." Personally, I prefer the plain ol' country girl look.

Stay Healthy | 6:09 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

You unhappy with the way you look? Eat right and exercise. Do this for two months and be happy with the way you look. No body is exactly like another, but I guarantee that when you eat right and exercise, you'll feel good and look good.

Former Personal Trainer | 7:57 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

One of the biggest problems I encountered as a personal trainer was that of women who were perfectly attractive and who had a healthy weight who thought that they were too fat.

I would suggest to everyone (men and women) that you engage in regular exercise, eat a healthy diet, and quit worrying what you look like. Find out what your body-fat percentage is. It should be around 25% for women and 15% for men, give or take a few percentage points. If you are more than 5-10% above that, you might need to lose a few lbs. But, if you are in that healthy range, don't sweat it. Just keep eating right and maintaining a good exercise program. And do it for your health!

And... DON'T READ BEAUTY MAGAZINES.

Kristen | 11:00 p.m. Oct. 19, 2009

Part of the reason fashion models are expected to be so thin is because the designers are lazy. It is easy to make clothes that look good on a hanger, but try designing something for someone with hips and curves and real proportions!

2 cents | 12:58 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

Women SHOULD be dissatisfied with their bodies. And so should men, too, by the way.

It never ceases to amaze me how many overweight (and I mean really, really overweight) people there are. It's disgusting. Stop eating McDonalds and try some fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Stop acting like we men all want a size 0. There are lots of different natural body types, but 5'6" and 230 lbs is not one of them.

Women (and the church) are so obsessed with men and porn. How about dealing with your own addictions - i.e. food. When you conquer that, then you can chastise your man for his porn addiction.

Really headline writers? | 3:21 a.m. Oct. 20, 2009

That was the best headline you could come up with? Wow, what news value! (Note sarcasm). Hand out the Mr/Mrs Obvious award to that clever headliner.

In other news: People eat too much, Dogs bark, War is violent, Temperatures drop late in the year and so on and so forth.

Try a LITTLE harder please.

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Why are American women dissatisfied with their bodies?