To the Editor:

The media bombards young girls with images of the ideal body.

The problem is these images negatively affect the teens that view them. Society tells girls to have extremely thin figures and look like fashion models. However, the models that portray the perfect physique are unrealistically thin.

On average, a fashion model's weight is 23 percent less than that of the everyday woman. Models also have the power of technology to wipe away any imperfections. The media's perfect body is virtually unattainable. Most girls do not have a 5 foot 11 inches, 110 pound figure. Because of their body type, adolescent girls are at risk of lowered self-esteem and even self-hatred.

The pressure to be skinny may also cause teens to develop eating disorders. Studies have shown young women are more preoccupied with their weight than other concerns such as cancer or the loss of a parent. Because of this preoccupation, girls are more likely to develop diseases like anorexia or bulimia to obtain the preferred weight.

Some say the media is not to blame for low self-esteem. These people believe women need to distinguish the illusion of the supermodel from the actuality of one's body. What many fail to realize is that the need to fit in has been hardwired into our brains. Everybody conforms to social norms in one way or another. The fact that the media is the go-to spot to find the latest trends makes it the ultimate form of peer pressure.

Rather than trying to conform to today's body-trends, strive to be healthy. Ask a doctor if your weight is normal instead of the media. Also, remember this: the media is not your friend. The job of the media is to make money, not make you feel good about yourself.

Claire Swanson

Emmaus High School

10th grade student