Body image is consistently a hot topic of conversation for Horsham-based female personal trainer, Becky, and she recently came across a great example of it within the celebrity world…
During the last couple of years, conversations about body image and shape have become increasingly heated. It feels as though you can’t glance at social media or a magazine without coming across speculation as to which celebrity is the latest to take weight-loss medication, and cosmetic surgery and other procedures continue to be highly popular. I recently stumbled across a clip of two young women – the daughters of celebrities who are particularly open about the procedures they’ve undergone – discussing how their body image has been impacted, and I found it incredibly interesting…
The daughters of Katie Price and Kerry Katona
Katie Price and Kerry Katona are friends with a few things in common. Both have been famous since they were teenagers themselves, and became increasingly well-known during a peak tabloid era, their bodies and relationships scrutinised. Price will be 48 this month, whilst Katona turns 46 in September, and they have several children each. Katona’s daughter, Heidi, turned 19 in February, whilst Price’s daughter, Princess, hits the milestone next month, so it’s unsurprising that they’re friends too.
Princess and Heidi on body image
Via an account linked to a show focused on Princess, the two had a discussion about cosmetic surgery, their parents, and their own opinions. Heidi opened the chat by saying that, when she was younger, there were several procedures that she expected she would want in the future, but that, “…seeing what our Mums have gone through with surgery, I think that’s put me off.”
The girls then firmly had my attention, as I realised that these young women were truly thinking for themselves and learning from their parents’ experiences. Princess then contributed to the conversation by saying that she feels sad for her Mum, as it’s clear to her that Price is unhappy with how she looks (the implication being that this is despite the procedures she’s undergone, rather than due to them), and Heidi quickly agreed that Price is, “Very uncomfortable with the way she looks,” and it feels very much that both girls have heard their parents make such statements aloud.
Princess references a particular video that she had shared, a day in the life of her and her Mum spending time together, and the pair discuss the comments the video received (which mostly were unfavourable). The thing which struck me the most about this part of the conversation, and I was pleased made it in to the edit is that Princess says, “We’ve all told her,” with reference to herself and others close to Price, sharing their thoughts with her regarding her appearance being that she’s very thin.
Unpacking the conversation
The things I’d really like to highlight are: the fact that these young women have been exposed to examples of repeated cosmetic procedures, and that it’s changed their opinion of them; that they’re aware of public criticism of their mothers’ appearances (and how this affects them in turn); and that they have discussed their mothers’ bodies with them.
During the last couple of decades, I’ve witnessed a lot of moral panic about cosmetic procedures, and generally people seem to think that it’s a case of “monkey see, monkey do” when it comes to parents sharing this information with their children. Whilst in the case of Princess and Heidi, it’s clear that they have been aware of various procedures from a young age, they do also seem to have recognised that said procedures don’t necessarily make a person happy, nor do they necessarily mark the end of a journey, and I think that’s brilliant learning on their part.
I have no idea what it’s like growing up in the public eye, and I can’t imagine what it’s like to be aware of the public criticising my mother’s appearance, and for it to be such a normal occurrence. Both young women are clearly upset by the comments they’ve seen, and it is a reflection of how bizarre our parasocial relationships now are – that people think it’s acceptable to comment upon the appearance of someone they’ve never met, and with very little context provided.
Finally, what I think will surprise many people – and did catch me off guard – is the fact that Princess said that she and others close to her Mum have told Price that they are concerned about her. I think that many of us assume that certain celebrities are purely enabled by those around them, with their behaviour being affirmed. It’s a relief to hear that this isn’t the case, but sad that perhaps their concerns aren’t being heard, or action isn’t being taken.
What this video proves is that we rarely know the full story. What we see online and via social media is a very small part of the lives of others, and whilst we can learn from some things, it’s not right to think that we know everything.
I hope that Princess and Heidi continue to support each other, and develop positive relationships with their own bodies and body image.