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Eating Disorders: Taylor Swift's Influence on Recovery



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This may sound like a strange title for a blog post from an Eating Disorders Dietitian and perhaps a little sensationalized, but we wanted to share some intriguing new research from America, published last week in Social Science and Medicine ( impact rating of 4.9).


The study explores whether Taylor Swift can positively influence her fans' relationships with their bodies, following her public disclosure about her struggles with restrictive eating and body image. Taylor has openly discussed her experiences with poor body image and dietary changes, notably in her documentary "Miss Americana" and in songs from her "Midnights" album. While there have been concerns that celebrity disclosures about eating disorders might increase awareness of harmful pro-ana websites, this research suggests a more positive impact.


Historically, reviews have shown that celebrities significantly influence women's and girls' body images. When a smaller body size is promoted, many tend to conform to this ideal (Brown and Tiggemann, 2022). Although disordered eating and eating disorders are not solely influenced by societal and cultural factors, these elements can contribute to the development of such conditions.


Taylor Swift maintains a strong parasocial relationship with her fans, providing glimpses into her life and offering a platform for fan engagement. The study reviewed social media platforms TikTok and Reddit, analyzing comments related to "Taylor Swift body image." They examined 104 TikTok posts and 101 Reddit posts, analyzing at least the first 100 comments per post unless thematic saturation was reached.


Key Themes Emerged:


1. Role Model to Fans:  

   Many fans expressed love, pride, and admiration for Taylor's bravery in sharing her body image struggles. They could relate to her and found inspiration in her journey, seeing her as proof that recovery from an eating disorder is possible. Her openness helped combat the stigma surrounding eating disorders.


2. Objectification:  

   Taylor’s body was often objectified, and comments varied between criticizing and reinforcing this objectification. Content that objectified her body was more prevalent than content that criticized this objectification.


3. Use of Specific Songs:  

   Fans discussed how songs related to body image had a positive impact on them. These songs provided comfort and motivation in their own recovery journeys.


4. Anti-Fat Bias:  

   The use of the word "fat" in Taylor’s video for "Antihero" sparked debate. While some fans saw it as a critique of diet culture, others were unsure if Taylor was an ally in body acceptance.


What Does This Mean in Practice for Health Professionals?


While the study offers interesting insights, it has limitations. Social media comments do not always reflect someone's true thoughts, and the demographics of those commenting are unknown. Reddit user are thought to be more predominantly male and age 18 - 29 years old where as TikTok are 25 - 34 years old. Only English posts were analysed, which doesn’t represent everyone who can access these platforms globally.



Implications for Eating Disorder Dietitians:


1. Consider Social Media Use in Assessments:  

   It is essential to explore clients' use of social media and their relationships with celebrities. Parasocial relationships with celebrities can impact someone’s recovery journey and their relationship with food.


2. Don’t Overlook Celebrity Influence:  

   During assessments, spend time understanding how different celebrities’ views on body image, weight bias, and disordered eating might influence clients.



In conclusion, while celebrities like Taylor Swift can inspire positive change and support recovery in some individuals, it’s crucial to understand the complexities of their influence. As dietitians, we must remain aware of these dynamics to provide holistic and empathetic care to our clients.


References -


Brown, Z. and Tiggemann, M., 2022. Celebrity influence on body image and eating disorders: A review. Journal of Health Psychology, 27(5), pp.1233-1251


Pope, L. and Rose, K., 2024. “It’s All Just F* cking Impossible:” The Influence of Taylor Swift on Fans’ Body Image, Disordered Eating, and Rejection of Diet Culture. Social Science & Medicine, p.117100.




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