The year 2023 is already proving to be an interesting year for “body trends.” As ridiculous as it sounds, the popularity of different body types fluctuates throughout decades. In the 90s heroin chic took the runways by storm as teenage girls starved themselves to achieve the unattainable looks of Kate Moss, among other supermodels. More recently, in 2020 Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) were in, some women (and men) went as far as injecting dangerous chemicals into their bodies to plump their derrieres. Despite the label of “most dangerous” plastic surgery procedure, with an alarmingly high mortality rate, people placed their looks above the threat of death.
In 2023 we may think we are beyond these dangerous body augmentations, but this is sadly not the case. Ozempic, a diabetes injectable drug, has caused a new craze between celebrities, wealthy housewives, and even ordinary people.
So, what’s the problem? The problem lies in the fact that the trend has caused people suffering with Diabetes to have a difficult time obtaining the life saving drug. People mindlessly inject themselves to achieve a slim figure, ignoring the fact that the drug can cause various cancers and tumor growths. At what point do we as a society draw the line with unattainable beauty standards? Even commercials for the injection harp on its weight loss properties, overshadowing its intended purpose.
Pharmaceutical companies capitalize off of body dysmorphia to sell things too good to be true. Our bodies are designed to keep us alive, and sure it could be beneficial to eat a little healthier, workout 3-4 times a week, or do your best to look presentable at all times, but ultimately even if you do all of these things religiously, you’ll still be left unsatisfied. Our minds have been conditioned to always want the next best thing, and especially for the rich and famous that yields an infinite list.
This “Ozempic” trend sounds quite dangerous as the term suggests, and it is even more shocking that it is even a thing going around. The web can be a scary place where young individuals, especially women, look up to these beauty standards informed by celebrities. I believe people should not define beauty from what they observe in media and understand that they are already born beautiful. On the contrary, I believe that if an individual wants to try these trends out of curiosity or do it because they feel comfortable, then they should have the right as it is their body. However, I also believe that such trends such be done in a healthy and careful manner, because such procedures could be detrimental to the individual if not properly done so.
When I first heard of the Ozempic trend I honestly was not shocked. Over the years there have been so many extreme body modification trends that even though I should feel shocked I am not. Kim Kardashian is typically the poster child for ‘body trend of the year’ so I am not surprised that she has been involved with this trend. Celebrities are always the ones who get to decide what is beautiful and then the rest of society has to scramble and try to look their best like them. Beauty truly is pain and it comes in so many forms. From the mildest hair removal all the way up to plastic surgery men and women put themselves through hell just to look their best. Beauty should not just be a trend that you have to conform to year after year because celebrities and companies tell you to. Additionally pharmaceutical companies have the responsibility to ensure that people are using their drug for the proper use and not for alternative uses.