Columnist: It's time to talk about dangerous body ideals

Swedish columnist Catia Hultquist argues that it is time to openly discuss dangerous body ideals, a sentiment spurred by the ongoing conversations surrounding singer Ariana Grande's significantly thinner appearance. Hultquist believes that despite the general understanding that commenting on women's bodies is controversial, there is a need to address concerns about Grande's well-being.

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After thousands of years of casual and sexist praise and criticism of women's bodies, most people today know that commenting on women's appearance at all is controversial – rightly so.

Hultquist notes that Grande herself has stated she is "healthier" than ever. This claim emerged in connection with the launch of the musical film "Wicked," where both Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo appeared dramatically thinner. Many interpreted this transformation as a sign of eating disorders, a notion Grande has firmly denied. She has also appealed to the public to stop commenting on others' bodies, a plea her fans have widely echoed.

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But I still think that now something must be said about how Ariana Grande is doing.

However, Hultquist's own research into Grande's "transformation" yielded explanations that Grande's "slender" appearance is primarily due to an "extremely demanding work schedule" and a "conscious lifestyle change." This change involves a "strict plant-based and macrobiotic, vegan diet." The column also points out that while others perceived the star as healthy, she was reportedly unhealthy and consuming alcohol. The new lifestyle, it is claimed, makes Grande "feel much better now."

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The question of her health became relevant in connection with the launch of the musical film 'Wicked,' when she and co-star Cynthia Erivo suddenly appeared completely changed and very thin.

Despite these explanations, Hultquist questions the narrative, even humorously suggesting she was "gaslit by Google AI." She observes that Grande's own Instagram, featuring tour pictures and videos, is carefully curated, showing only flattering images. Hultquist implies that the public discourse, while often avoiding commentary on women's bodies, should not shy away from discussing potentially harmful body ideals when prominent figures like Grande are involved, especially when their health and public image are subjects of widespread discussion.

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Did I just get gaslit by Google AI?