“She clearly has an ED and she needs help,” another said. “She’s scarily skinny these days … Atp she’s just skin and bones.”
Parasocial Attachment and the Legal/Social Toll
Dr. Patrick Wanis, a behavioral and relationship expert, explained that much of the constant commentary on Ariana Grande’s appearance is driven by what psychologists call a “parasocial relationship”—a one-sided emotional attachment fans develop to a celebrity, even though the celebrity has no awareness of their existence.
“Ariana Grande became famous as a Nickelodeon child star around age 17. The public has grown up with her and sees her through the lens of nostalgia, purity, and a fixed image of youth,” Dr. Wanis shared in an email to Bored Panda.
“Accordingly, any physical change—weight loss, weight gain, or aging—is magnified because people expect her to remain the same forever. Her fans identify with her youth.”
The issue of weight loss in the entertainment industry has long been a topic of debate. Celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, and many others often make headlines for any weight fluctuations, whether gain or loss. In many cases, these public health concerns raise deeper questions about body autonomy, medical privacy laws, and the financial burden of extended treatment programs.
Extraordinary Pressure in the Spotlight
Celebrities, particularly women, often face immense pressure to meet unrealistic body standards, which can lead to unhealthy weight loss practices or the development of clinical eating disorders. These can result in hospital stays, psychiatric evaluations, and long-term insurance claims related to wellness recovery.
