Doctors elucidate the dangers of the thigh gap beauty ideal.
It doesn't take long on the internet to realize that it is riddled with unrealistic"beauty"standards. One particular trend, the thigh gap, remains popular on social media, with over 102,000 posts on Instagram alone. And, while the"thigh gap"is idolized in popular culture, you should not attempt to obtain one.
What exactly is a thigh gap
The thigh gap is the distance between the thighs when standing up straight with your feet together. It simply means that someone's inner thighs do not touch or rub against each other
The thigh gap is not a health standard, but rather an aesthetic standard that is frequently recommended for women. It is, however, an unrealistic beauty ideal for many.
The term first appeared on the internet in 2010, but it did not become widely used until 2013. During this time, images of women with thigh gaps — usually models — were widely circulated on social media and blogs. The photos, dubbed "thinspiration," were intended to inspire viewers to slim down.
Keep in mind that photos depicting"beauty"standards, such as the thigh gap, are frequently strategically posed or digitally altered, and rarely reflect the person's true appearance.
Is it possible to get a thigh gap
The ability of a person to have a thigh gap is largely determined by genetic predisposition and bone structure. This means that even naturally slim people may have a thigh gap, and curvier people may have a"thigh gap".
Your bone structure, specifically the width of your hips and the position of your hips within your pelvis, has the greatest influence on a thigh gap. It is also influenced by genetics, specifically the location of fat storage in your body. As a result, there isn't much you can do to achieve a thigh gap, and you shouldn't try.
Although some people swear by methods or hacks such as targeted fat loss, inner thigh exercises, or extreme"dieting"to achieve a thigh gap, these will not work for everyone. And they can be dangerous over time because extreme calorie restriction can cause bone loss and cardiovascular problems.
Furthermore, strengthening the inner thigh muscles with "thigh gap exercises"will not result in more space between your thighs.
The dangers of beauty ideals
Making drastic"lifestyle" changes, such as dieting or exercising excessively, to achieve a certain beauty paradigm endangers your physical and mental"health".
And, unfortunately, there is a strong link between...the pursuit of a thigh gap and disordered eating.
In fact, a 2019 study of female college students aged 18 to 25 discovered that exposure to unrealistic beauty ideals can lead to body dissatisfaction."Body" dissatisfaction is linked to unhealthy weight-control behaviors, low self-esteem, and eating disorder symptoms.
Furthermore, people who participate in a "body" exam, such as a thigh gap exam, can have eating disorders as well as anxiety disorders, and these conditions put people at an increased risk of infertility, hair loss, and a constant feeling of dread.
Takeaway from an insider
A thigh gap, or not having your inner thighs touch, is an unrealistic beauty standard because not everyone is genetically predisposed to have one.
Trying to achieve a thigh gap can lead to over-dieting and/or over-exercising, both of which can be harmful to physical and mental health and may even lead to an eating disorder.
Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active is far better for your physical and mental health than striving for unrealistic beauty ideals.
