Vanesa Lopez
02/02/2020 - 10:30
- Clarín.com
- Society
Bigger, smaller, what is the ideal size? A global study found that 71% of women are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts, a finding that, according to researchers, is a "serious public health problem."
The Breast Size Satisfaction Survey (BSSS) was led by the Anglia Ruskin University of England. And it was published in the scientific journal Body Image.
100 international experts participated, who surveyed 18,541 women from 40 countries, including several Latin Americans, such as Brazil, Peru and Colombia. It was the largest intercultural study ever conducted with the aim of examining body image.
They concluded that 48% of women would like to have larger breasts , 23% would like them to be smaller, and only 29% are satisfied with this part of their body.
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Women from Brazil, Japan, China, Egypt and the United Kingdom showed the greatest dissatisfaction with the size of their breasts. While the countries where they accept this part of their bodies best were Ghana, Colombia, Spain, Paraguay and Indonesia.
When asked if these results would also be valid for Argentina - considering that our country did not participate in the survey - from the Anglia Ruskin University they responded to Clarín that "a key finding of the study is that breast size ideals are now similar in the 40 nations involved in this study. "
"Previously there were differences between nations," the spokespersons continued, referring to historical differences between countries. "This suggests that the objectification of medium to large breasts is now a global phenomenon, " they concluded from this British study house.
In addition, the study accounts for certain aspects that encompass Latin America. "Some academics have discussed the increased cultural pressure experienced by Latin American women to demonstrate femininity and sexuality through breast fullness," the report said. As an example, the case of Brazil: in a previous study, 65% of women said they want to have bigger breasts.
In addition, the British study found that greater exposure to local media was associated with dissatisfaction of breast size. In that line, he mentions Latin American soap operas, "which idealize larger breast sizes" as one of the determining factors.
In our country, the situation does not seem to be different. In 2010, Proximitas consultant interviewed 6,800 Argentines for the lingerie brand Triumph. 73% considered that the ideal bust measurement is more than 90 centimeters and for almost 20% it is more than 95.
That study revealed that 87% of Argentina would change something of their body. One in five respondents planned to operate in the future and more than half left the possibility open. What would they change about their body? One in four said she would modify her bust.
The scalpel is also pointed out by the psychologist Beatriz Goldberg, author of the book "I am not happy with my body, what do I do? " Asked by Clarín , he comments that "Our country has a very high rate of cosmetic surgery, despite the economic situation, because there is a waiting list in public hospitals."
"Very thin women have little and are added. And there are some that have a lot and are taken out. We are in a country with a lot of things made. And not just the models. Also in banks, in offices, everywhere. Even , many people say it as something positive. They say 'I'm investing in me', "he continues.
For the graduate, in Argentina there is "great dissatisfaction" that is mainly due to a matter of self-esteem. He mentions "body dysmorphia," which is when we see something that is not real. "You look like a distorting mirror. Even if you have a body that, in quotes, can be perfect. You look bad," he explains.
Regarding the breasts, it assumes that they are one of the "most feminine" parts that exist, in addition to the hair. "Therefore, many women who have just separated or have emotional problems, resort to surgery or go to the hairdresser," he says.
"But then they say: 'I still don't feel well'. It is not enough for them to have surgery, because it is an internal matter, of dissatisfaction about themselves, of low self-esteem. And they locate it somewhere in the body. Because it is easier to say 'I have a bad chest' to say 'I have a goal that I did not reach', "continues the psychologist.
Some external factors also influence, such as what we see on television and in magazines. "One is measured with the others, with the photoshoped ideals, with the looks of the famous," says Goldberg. And add to the list the selfies of social networks, where "we only see the best of others."
Beyond the image, the report of the British university realized the risks that this brings to health. In their surveys, women who are not satisfied with the size of their breasts admitted that they practice breast self-examination less and would notice less change in their breasts, something important for the early detection of breast cancer.
"Breast cancer is the leading cause of female cancer-related deaths worldwide and low survival rates are associated with worse breast awareness," said Swami. "Dissatisfaction of breast size can lead to avoidance behaviors, particularly if a woman's breasts cause feelings of anxiety or shame," the study author concluded.
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