Taylor Swift inspires fight against ‘eating disorders’

Taylor Swift was once pressured about her appearance when, just because of gaining weight, she was rumored to be “pregnant”, leading to an eating disorder.

The July issue of the journal Social Science & Medicine features a study from the University of Vermont (UVM) on Taylor Swift’s struggles with body image. The authors include Lizzy Pope, associate professor of nutrition and food sciences at UVM, and colleagues.

 

Taylor Swift performs on the Eras Tour in Mexico City, Mexico in 2023. Photo: TAS Rights Management

The authors concluded after analyzing 200 posts and 8,300 comments related to the singer on the TikTok platform and Reddit forums . The researchers identified the biggest theme: Fans saw Swift as a role model for eating disorder treatment and used Swift’s story and music to inspire their own recovery.

“The findings suggest that fans have made positive changes in their behaviors or attitudes toward eating or body image as a result of Swift’s messages in her music,” said Lizzy Pope.

According to Everyday Health , several of Swift’s songs deal with weight issues. For example, in the song You’re On Your Own, Kid has the line: “I hosted parties and starved my body, like I’d be saved by the perfect kiss.”

In the 2020 documentary Miss Americana , the singer said she starved herself after seeing her bulging belly in a photo or someone telling her she looked pregnant. In the documentary, photos show Swift looking thinner around the release of her 2014 album 1989, compared to her healthy appearance at the Reputation tour in 2018. Swift said her past poor diet severely affected her stamina while touring.

In Social Science & Medicine , experts say the issue raises questions about body image standards that may be influenced by celebrities. The artists’ openness and transparency could help reduce the stigma surrounding eating disorders. “This is important because other research has shown that shame can prevent victims from seeking help, which can have negative health consequences,” the study’s authors say

 

Study co-author Lizzy Pope, a registered dietitian and associate professor of nutrition and food sciences at UVM. Photo: UVM

The study also found that some fans ignored Swift’s message. Even though the singer revealed her unhealthy eating habits in the film Miss Americana , fans still commented on her body and scrutinized her. Sometimes, they even speculated whether she had gained weight.

Through the article, the author hopes that Taylor Swift and other celebrities will use their influence to inspire people. “She changed the attitudes of many people with just a few sentences. Swift is a powerful voice, contributing to promoting society towards open-mindedness and respect for body diversity,” Pope said.

According to the Guardian , Pope and Rose’s research was published days after a Newsweek article suggested that Swift was not a good role model because she was unmarried and childless at age 34, despite being in a relationship with professional football player Travis Kelce and having had multiple relationships. Many criticized the site for being misogynistic.

Taylor Swift , 35, is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame with her country music in 2006. After 10 albums, Taylor has received 14 Grammy Awards and 29 Billboard Awards. In December 2023, Guinness recognized the artist’s The Eras Tour as the highest-grossing tour of all time, reaching over $1 billion. She currently has a net worth of about $1.1 billion and was chosen by Time as Person of the Year 2023.