Children grow into teens and they are then exposed to their own television shows that relate to what is happening within their bodies. Already they have this idea implanted in their head who they want to be and those images that create their reality. Teens are shown in magazines pictures of girls that are supposed to be just like them. Within the media, 99% of all photographs have been retouched or altered in some way. Leading teenagers to think that this is the normal body image and that they should strive to be like this. A majority of teen magazines will always have the latest diet craze that will make you lose weight fast. If you are ever up after midnight you should check out all the infomercials that can help you shed those pounds, flush your system and give you the body you always dreamed about.
During the time of transformation for a teenager, their minds are delicate. Peers in schools can be heartless if you are overweight, though not many are ridiculed for being thin. Teenagers share with each other what they have learned through the media on what’s hot and what’s not. They are shown what clothes are in and which ones don’t pass for social acceptance. The most popular clothing lines tailor to those teens that are thin. A majority of plus size clothing can only be ordered online, or at Plus size stores. If you were overweight and a teenager, would you want to be caught by your peers walking into the plus size store at the local mall? Most clothing lines, like H & M, have discontinued their plus size clothing line. The media puts out messages that you should be skinny and pretty and this is what will make you popular. Many teens are faced with this dilemma daily. For some, they feel as if there is no hope for them and they just long for social acceptance. They withdrawal from family and friends and take matters into their own hands.
