Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How beauty ideals affect body image in Latin American Indigenous
By Mancilla-Díaz JM et al.·2026·Eating Disorders Laboratory·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Influence of aesthetic beauty models on body image in indigenous communities in Latin America: a systematic review.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how beauty standards affect body image in Indigenous communities in Latin America, which haven't been well-researched in this area. Researchers reviewed 16 studies that included various Indigenous groups and found that there are two main influences on body image: traditional views that often celebrate larger body types as healthy and important, and the growing pressure from Western ideals that promote thinness, especially among younger women. The impact of media on body image varied, with some studies showing that television can influence how people feel about their bodies, while others pointed to the importance of family and friends. Overall, the findings suggest that body image issues in these communities are complex and influenced by both local traditions and global trends. The researchers concluded that more culturally relevant studies are needed to better understand and support body positivity in these communities.
Abstract
<h4>Introduction</h4>Indigenous communities in Latin America remain underrepresented in body image research despite sociocultural transitions. This systematic review aimed to identify the influence of aesthetic beauty models and sociocultural factors on body image in Indigenous communities belonging to Latin America.<h4>Methods</h4>Following PRISMA and SPIDER guidance, a systematic search (October 28, 2025) was conducted across five databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, and SciELO, as well as specialized eating-disorder journals. Observational and qualitative/mixed-methods studies involving Latin American Indigenous populations and addressing body image in relation to sociocultural/aesthetic models were included.<h4>Results</h4>Sixteen studies met eligibility criteria, spanning multiple Indigenous and rural groups in Latin America. Across settings, findings indicated the coexistence of two partially competing frameworks: (1) persistence of local/traditional values in which larger bodies and/or curvilinearity may be associated with normality, health, status, or functionality, and (2) growing influence of Western/globalized appearance ideals emphasizing thinness and/or specific body proportions, particularly among younger women and in contexts of market integration and media access. Body dissatisfaction was frequent but heterogeneous in direction, with evidence of bidirectional dissatisfaction in some samples. Media effects were context-dependent: some studies supported causal influence of televisual exposure during technological transition, whereas others highlighted stronger roles for family, peers, and healthcare providers. Measurement concerns were recurrent, including limited cultural fit of silhouette-based tools.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Body image in Latin American Indigenous communities reflects complex cultural negotiation between traditional meanings and Westernized ideals. More culturally grounded, longitudinal, and methodologically adapted research is needed to inform prevention and intervention approaches that protect body wellbeing without imposing Western frameworks.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41858448