Tag: Body diversity

The English language contains over 170,000 words, yet many people struggle to find a suitable replacement for the word 'fat' when describing a person's body size. The choice of language is crucial, as the term 'fat' has long been associated with negative connotations, stigma, and judgment, particularly in modern usage. Understanding the context and choosing the right word can help ensure communication is both accurate and respectful.

A 2016 study found the average model's BMI was 17.3, significantly below the healthy range of 18.5. This stark statistic raises serious questions about what BMI you have to be to be a model and the often unhealthy standards that have traditionally defined the industry.

A standard runway model often weighs less than 120 pounds, while the average American woman is 5'4" and about 140 pounds. The specific physical expectations vary across different modeling specialities and the industry's evolving landscape.