A study shows that Taylor Swift has a generally positive influence on her fans' perceptions of body image and diet culture.

A study from the University of Vermont reveals that Taylor Swift has helped her fans develop a more positive outlook on diet culture, disordered eating, and body image.

A study in the journal Social Science and Medicine examined hundreds of TikTok and Reddit posts from Swift fans discussing eating disorders or body image.

The common themes in conversations about Swift as a role model for disordered eating recovery include the use of or identification with specific songs that mention struggles with eating or body image, as well as objectification of Swift's body.

The research also analyzed differing opinions from followers on social media regarding a particular scene in Swift's "Anti-Hero" music video that portrayed the word "fat" on a scale.

Researchers found that Swift's revelation about her own struggles with eating and body image positively impacted her fans who also face similar challenges.

The study found that Swift is widely regarded as a highly influential and popular celebrity, with many fans looking up to her as a role model.

Planet Chronicle Digital discussed the study findings with Lizzy Pope and Kelsey Rose, the lead study researchers.

Swift is highly admired by many of Pope's students, who are impressed by her work as an associate professor of nutrition and food sciences at the University of Vermont.

In the 2020 documentary "Miss Americana," Taylor Swift opened up about her eating disorder, prompting Pope to contemplate the effects on her fans.

Rose, a clinical assistant professor of nutrition and food sciences at the University of Vermont, and she started collecting qualitative data from social media to develop a "code book" of recurring themes.

Those struggling with disordered eating appeared to view Swift as a role model, according to research findings.

Pope stated that people would have very open and truthful discussions about how her work or disclosure had assisted them in overcoming disordered eating.

Researchers found that Swift's appearance helped reduce the shame associated with disordered eating and encouraged people to seek treatment, according to the study.

Despite the positive effects, Pope pointed out that many fans continue to objectify Swift's body online.

In "Anti-Hero," Swift used a "fat scale" as a creative decision, but some viewers believed it was a form of "anti-fat prejudice."

She stated that others believed her perspective on her body being fat was due to her experience as someone with an eating disorder and body dysmorphia.

In response to criticism that deemed it "harmful," Pope Francis removed the scene from the video.

Rose highlighted the "profound impact" that Swift's "vulnerability and honesty" have had on society.

"A powerful female celebrity can significantly influence our culture and the health of our community," she stated.

Since the pandemic started, teenagers and young adults have seen an increase in eating disorders, Pope noted.

Perhaps, there is an unexplored public health opportunity to collaborate with celebrities who have undergone similar experiences and are open to sharing their vulnerabilities and … shift our perspective on bodies, nutrition, and what constitutes good health, she proposed.

Warning on ‘potential detriment'

In an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Dr. Andrea Vazzana, a psychologist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders at NYU Langone in New York City, commented on the study findings. She was not involved in the research.

Swift has motivated individuals to act in various domains, including voting, attending football matches, and crafting friendship bracelets, as Vazzana highlighted.

Vazzana cautioned that the pop star's impact on disordered eating could be harmful.

In her 2020 documentary, Taylor advocated for body acceptance and opposed behaviors that harm one's body image and physical or emotional health.

"Beauty standards are futile because they are subjective and incompatible with meeting multiple standards at once."

Vazzana stated that she believes this self-disclosure has several flaws.

She stated that Taylor is seen as a vitality role model by some people.

"Those susceptible to body dissatisfaction and eating disorders are likely to search for tips on how the author lost weight and maintains an enviable physique."

There is a risk that fans might try to "emulate her exercise and restrictive eating habits, despite her disavowal of them."

The psychologist stated that Swift's disclosure addresses "weight-loss methods, timelines, social reinforcers, and excuses given to concerned individuals."

Despite her disavowal of her exercise and restrictive eating habits, there is a risk that fans might try to emulate them.

Vazzana pointed out that Swift's sharing of her clothing size at her current weight and at her thinnest could lead to comparisons or self-loathing among fans.

"Numerous studies have shown that comparing one's appearance to thin celebrities who promote this ideal has a negative impact on parasocial relationships and celebrity worship, which intensifies this impact."

Vazzana also called out potential limitations of the study.

She stated that the data was obtained from a group of individuals who shared similar preferences in social media and their love for Swifties.

"Swifties are a notoriously cohesive and loyal group of supporters."

To avoid backlash, these fans may be less likely to disagree with the core group of posters, as Vazzana pointed out.

She pointed out that the posts were not randomly chosen, which could lead to a "potential source of bias."

The study researchers and Swift's representatives were contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for their reactions to Vazzana's input.