We’ve heard it time and again: these fashion and beauty magazines – especially those geared towards teenagers – are causing low self-esteem, body image issues, and even eating disorders stemming from the unrealistic standards of beauty they portray. There is no question about it: studies have categorically shown that yes, magazines do promote unhealthy body ideals, leading to low self-esteem and other problems.

In a study conducted by Clay, Vignoles, and Dittmar (Journal of Research on Adolescence, 2005), the researchers discovered that self-esteem among girls declines at the onset of adolescence, linked to their exposure to unrealistic media portrayal of beauty. As early as age 11, these girls are saddled with low self-esteem, poor body image, and – in worst case scenarios – eating disorders. The trouble never really goes away for most of them; even adult women (as much as 80%) reported the same sense of inadequacy when confronted with media’s portrayal of beautiful and near-perfect women.