The Obsession with Physique on Social Media: Influencers and Gyms’ Impact
In Grosseto, the obsession with physique and body image is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among young people, influenced by social media and unscrupulous personal trainers. The desire for a certain type of body, fueled by social media, has led to extreme attention towards physique, sometimes resulting in eating disorders.
Simone Rasà, owner of the historic Blu Box gym, noted that social media has had a significant impact on people’s desire for a certain physique. He highlighted how influencers often present unattainable physiques as natural, leading many to develop extreme attention towards their bodies. Rasà also emphasized the role of unscrupulous personal trainers and improper nutrition in fueling this obsession, especially among the young and very young.
Deborah Scalabrelli, co-founder of the YMCA gym, echoed Rasà’s concerns, noting that poor nutrition and bad eating habits are more widespread in the world of the gym than actual disorders. Scalabrelli also highlighted the influence of social media on the body image of young people, as well as the impact of busy families and schools with vending machines stocked with junk food.
Gabriele Innocenti, bodybuilder and figure skating instructor at Livelife gym, pointed out the increase in cases of orthorexia and unhealthy calorie restriction, particularly among younger individuals. Innocenti also highlighted the prevalence of eating disorders in figure skating, stating that many girls are convinced that not eating is the best solution to staying slim, reinforcing the negative impact of societal beauty standards.
The influence of social media, especially Instagram, was highlighted as a significant factor in creating unattainable models and promoting dangerous behaviors by Innocenti. He stressed that influencers often present an unrealistic portrayal of their achievements and resort to filters and retouching, leading young people to make harmful decisions for their health.
Overall, the impact of social media and the fitness industry on body image and eating habits in Grosseto is concerning. The prevalence of unattainable physiques on social media, coupled with the influence of unscrupulous personal trainers and improper nutrition, has contributed to an increase in eating disorders and unhealthy behaviors. It is clear that more awareness and responsible practices are needed to address these issues in the community.