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Two strategies for protecting body image against the negative effects of exposure to idealized media images have been proposed: (1) using labels to alert viewers to digital retouching, (2) limiting digital retouching. This study investigated the effects digitally modified vs.unmodified images and the use of labels on those images (disclaimer/retouch-free] vs. unlabeled) on appearance satisfaction and mood. Trait upwards appearance comparison, media ideal internalization, media similarity, and body appreciation were explored as moderators. Participants (n = 614, women, 18-30 years) viewed the same ten images of female figures (both thin ideal and size/shape diverse images) across four conditions: (1) unmodified, unlabelled, (2) unmodified, labelled, (3) modified, labelled, and (4) modified, unlabelled images. Exposure to unmodified images was shown to be less harmful than exposure to modified images. Neither label type was associated with more positive outcomes compared to their counterpart unlabelled conditions. State appearance comparison was highest in the two labelled conditions. Trait upwards appearance comparison and media ideal internalization to some extent moderated effects on negative mood. Findings provide additional evidence that disclaimer labels on digitally modified images are not helpful for body image, while images that depart from the thin-ideal can contribute to promoting positive body image.

Most advertisements contain thin-ideal imagery enhanced by digital modification. The deleterious effects on body image and eating disorder risk of exposure to such images have been well documented. One of the proposed macro-level solutions to mitigate these effects has been the use of labels on images, primarily disclaimer labels. A growing number of studies have explored the usefulness of such labels in protecting body image against the detrimental effects of media exposure; however, findings have been divergent.The current study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature investigating the effects of including labels on media images on body image.The systematic review identified n = 22 studies that were included in a narrative review, n = 18 were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, findings provided little support for the use of disclaimer or warning labels as a means of protecting against the detrimental effects of media exposure on body image. Furthermore, findings suggested that such labels might increase state appearance comparison when exposed to media images.These findings are especially concerning in light of recent legislative efforts to mitigate media effects through the use of labels on imagery, as well as industry initiatives based on image labeling. Additional research examining alternative strategies for universal prevention of body image and eating concerns is warranted.La mayoría de las imágenes de los anuncios publicitarios presentan una figura ideal delgada que ha sido retocada digitalmente. Los efectos nocivos en la imagen corporal y el riesgo de trastorno alimentario por la exposición a dichas imágenes han sido bien documentados. Una de las soluciones a gran escala que se han propuesto para mitigar estos efectos ha sido el uso de etiquetas en las imágenes, básicamente etiquetas de exención de responsabilidad. Un número creciente de estudios ha explorado la utilidad de dichas etiquetas para proteger la imagen corporal contra los efectos perjudiciales de la exposición a los medios de comunicación; sin embargo, los hallazgos han sido divergentes. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar una revisión sistemática y un meta-análisis de la literatura existente que investiga los efectos de incluir estas etiquetas en las imágenes sobre imagen corporal en los medios de comunicación. La revisión sistemática identificó n = 22 estudios que se incluyeron en una revisión narrativa, n = 18 se incluyeron en el meta-análisis. En general, los hallazgos proporcionaron poco soporte para el uso de descargos de responsabilidad o etiquetas de advertencia como un medio de protección contra los efectos perjudiciales de la exposición de los medios en la imagen corporal. Además, las investigaciones han demostrado que dichas etiquetas pueden aumentar la comparación al ser expuestas a las imágenes mediáticas. Estos hallazgos son especialmente preocupantes a la luz de los recientes esfuerzos legislativos para mitigar los efectos de los medios mediante el uso de etiquetas en las imágenes, así como las iniciativas de la industria basadas en el etiquetado de imágenes. Se justifica una investigación adicional que examine las estrategias alternativas para la prevención universal de la imagen corporal y las preocupaciones alimentarias.

Body image and eating concerns are prevalent among Japanese young women and result in part from exposure to unrealistic media imagery. In Western contexts, a growing body of research has explored the impact of social media on body image and eating disorder risk, and the potential for body positive media to mitigate these harmful effects. However, similar research in Japan is lacking. The aim of the present study was to qualitatively explore media and social media influences on body image and associated behaviors among young women in Japan, with a specific focus on body positive media content. Female university students in Japan (n = 29) participated in majority group and some individual interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four primary themes: (1) media appearance pressures: additive pressures of Japanese and Western ideals through globalization, (2) criticism of, resistance to, and negotiating appearance ideals, and (3) presence of body positivity in Japan, and (4) media as a background for interpersonal appearance pressures. High pressure towards thinness emerged, perceived as contributing to weight control behaviors that were calibrated to avoid being "unhealthy." Desire for greater body diversity in Japanese media emerged; however, findings suggest body positive messaging is scarce and mainly limited to high-profile celebrities.