Not too long ago, fashion finally seemed to catch up with reality. Billboards, runways, and campaigns began featuring real, unfiltered bodies—stretch marks, curves, softness, and all. It felt like a cultural turning point. For the first time in decades, people were seeing themselves represented beyond the traditional ultra-thin beauty standards. Body positivity was no longer just a movement on social media—it had entered the mainstream.
The 2000s Are Back—and Not in a Good Way
But in recent times, there’s been a noticeable shift. Fashion runways are once again dominated by ultra-thin models, sample sizes are shrinking, and online trends like “heroin chic” have re-emerged on platforms like TikTok. It feels eerily similar to the early 2000s, a time known for its dangerously narrow beauty ideals.
Adding to the concern, many major fashion houses are quietly discontinuing their plus-size lines. Magazines are subtly editing waists again. The body positivity movement, which once felt like real progress, now seems to be losing ground.
Real Stories, Real Pressure
This isn’t just speculation—industry insiders are speaking out. Former Victoria’s Secret Angel Erin Heatherton publicly admitted to being pressured to lose weight even when she was already thin. She revealed using diet pills and other harmful substances just to meet unrealistic expectations.
Supermodel Bella Hadid also opened up about crying before photoshoots, feeling like she was never “skinny enough.” These confessions reflect the immense pressure even the most successful models face behind the scenes.
Bollywood's "Size Zero" Phenomenon
Closer to home, Bollywood has also played a role in shaping toxic body standards. Kareena Kapoor Khan made headlines when she allegedly dropped to a “size zero” for the film Tashan. That one moment sparked a nationwide obsession. Suddenly, the “zero figure” became a beauty ideal, pushing young women to skip meals and adopt unhealthy habits in the name of glamour.
But the backlash soon followed. Critics questioned whether this promoted extreme thinness in a country already burdened by fairness creams, photo filters, and unrealistic expectations.
Is Inclusivity Still a Priority?
These stories and trends raise serious questions: Was the body positivity movement just a passing trend? Were curvy models hired for inclusivity—or to avoid public backlash? As the industry seems to shift backward, we must ask:
