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In a post by The Post, it was revealed that Casey noticed changes in his 14-year-old son, Ethan’s eating habits, with the boy becoming obsessed with counting calories and refusing to eat junk food. Ethan was 5’8″ tall and weighed 122 pounds, but was fixated on losing weight, despite not needing to. This is part of a larger trend where teenage boys and young men are becoming more conscious of their physique, with trends like “mewing” and “looksmaxing” gaining popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit.
Traditionally, boys were focused on bulking up, but with waifish stars like Timothée Chalamet setting new standards for male attractiveness, the desire to be lean and skinny has increased among young men. This is seen in 19-year-old Dempsey Bobbit, who mentioned that his female friends prefer skinny men, leading to guys his age paying more attention to what they eat and striving to be leaner. A study by the University of California, San Francisco revealed that one-third of adolescent boys in the US are attempting to lose weight, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.
Ethan and his friends are believed to be influenced by a romantic ideal that involves emulating the slim physique of celebrities like Timothée Chalamet. Spencer Delorenzo, a 22-year-old who weighs 98 pounds, mentioned that women are now more interested in thinner men, leading to a shift in male perception of body image. This is reflected in communities and influencers on social media platforms dedicated to achieving Chalamet’s defined jawline and cinched waist, as well as the “mewing trend” that aims to redefine facial features.
The hyper-focus on weight and appearance among young men is also fueled by the looksmaxxing trend, where individuals aim to reshape their jawlines and cheekbones to enhance their perceived attractiveness. Social media platforms like TikTok are filled with content where men share their calorie counts and meal plans, despite the MyFitnessPal app being age-restricted. The growing emphasis on physical appearance is concerning, with eating disorders affecting an estimated one-third of men at some point in their lives.
Despite the pressure to conform to certain body standards, it is important to prioritize health and well-being. Casey expressed concerns about the potential physical damage caused by his son’s restrictive eating habits and the impact on his overall health. Seeking help and support from organizations like the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is crucial for individuals struggling with eating disorders. The changing ideals of male attractiveness in society, influenced by celebrities and social media trends, highlight the need for a more balanced approach to body image and self-esteem among young men.
