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The first ever consumer magazine to feature an “airbrush-free logo” has been published in response to the nation’s concern over image alteration in the media.
Monday 01st February
Healthy Bodies, is published by Central YMCA with contributions from a range of organisations with an interest in body image including Girl Guiding UK, Men’s Health Forum, B-Eat (the Eating Disorders Association) and Jo Swinson MP. The magazine is the first of its kind to indicate which of its images are airbrush-free.
Central YMCA, which is campaigning to tackle society’s obsession with body image “ideals”, produced the magazine in response to research which showed that 90% of the UK adult population want more discussion about body image, and 77% are concerned about airbrushing in advertising and the media.
Rosi Prescott, Chief Executive of Central YMCA says: “The public are constantly bombarded with body image “ideals” in advertising and the media, and we think that this magazine will provide some light relief from this onslaught.
“This magazine is the first of its kind to carry an airbrush free logo for images that haven’t been digitally enhanced and we think advertisers and the media should begin to adopt this approach in response to growing public mistrust about images they are presented with in advertising and through the media.”
In addition to carrying an “airbrush free” logo the magazine also explains the biological and genetic limitations to changing body shape and size, and talks through the various approaches charities such as the YMCA and Girl Guiding UK have taken to address body image issues with young people.
The front cover of the magazine shows how the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown would look before and after digital enhancement.
Susie Orbach, author of the book Bodies said:
“This magazine is a welcome and witty addition. Body Image problems seem trivial but they are in fact serious and affect girls, boys, women and men from all backgrounds and ages. We have a public health emergency which YMCA is trying to grapple with. This magazine is a wonderful initiative in the fight for sustainable bodies.”
