The return of ‘heroin chic’: Why the trend is taking a psychological toll

Ariana Grande's recent announcement to take a break from public performances due to public criticism over her appearance is not an isolated incident. It highlights the resurgence of "heroin chic" – a trend promoting anorexic aesthetics. Our hospital treats individuals aged 18 and above dealing with various eating disorders. Some patients express feeling invaded by online discourse, which can include influencers discussing healthy eating habits, prompting questions from those close to them.

Patients often find it difficult when asked to talk about their problem, even when media tries to promote positive body image. They experience invasive and judgmental questions before they're ready to confront them. This also happens in advertising content, over which people have little control – they're targeted and constantly exposed to content about weight loss or habit changes. The narratives have become more extreme, lowering the bar for what is considered reasonable and desirable.

Constant exposure to such content changes aesthetic perceptions of the body. This is further fueled by the popularity of medications like Ozempic, which have shifted the conversation around weight to people who were previously at a healthy weight. Objectification of the human body has also increased, with society becoming accustomed to viewing others and themselves through an economic and social lens.

Celebrities, like Ariana Grande, often face frustration from comments about their bodies, reducing their identity to their appearance. This phenomenon signifies a society that commodifies identity. While social media discourse is not the cause of eating disorders, it triggers existing vulnerabilities, including innate factors, acquired factors, childhood experiences, and sexual abuse.

Parents should discuss these issues openly with their children, helping them understand the benefits and costs of living in a society that glorifies extreme thinness. It's crucial for parents to validate their children's feelings and help them differentiate between reality and the distorted images they see online.