Skinny Models Are a Turn-Off to Consumers

Research from the University of Queensland shows that ads featuring average-sized models are every bit as effective at selling as those with thin models.

Also "women who saw the size 14 models felt significantly better about their own bodies in comparison to those who saw the thinner models."

The lead researcher Phillippa Diedrichs created a series of mock advertisements for a range of beauty, clothing and accessory products where more than 300 men and women, aged 18-25, viewed the advertisements which featured either size 8-10 or 14 female models.

"Both men and women rated the advertisements featuring the average-size models as equally effective as the advertisements featuring the thinner models. [...] Also, women who saw the size 14 models felt significantly better about their own bodies in comparison to those who saw the thinner models."

Some believe that the research may be indicative of changing attitudes:

"A lot of women are more self-assured, more confident, not accepting the fantasy any more" says the Butterfly Foundation's Julie Thomson. "They've also got things happening in their lives that make them realise the whole fashion model, celebrity thing is not as important as the (media) keeps telling them." (from Brisbane Times)

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