Weighting for Representation: Body Type Diversity in Mainstream Parenting Magazines

Introduction: The unrealistic standards of beauty and “thinness” that are emphasized in all media forms, especially magazines, are often cited as the largest drivers of body dissatisfaction. While this “ideal body” pressure is placed upon women of all ages, there is significant focus on post-pregnancy women attempting to gain back their “pre-baby bodies.” Parenting magazines, read by millions of individual each year, serve as an influential source of guidance for these caregivers, helping …