‘Bone Arm’ Obsession Raises Eating Disorder Concerns, Say Health Officials (Image supported by ChatGPT)
SEOUL, August 1 (Korea Bizwire) — Amid rising temperatures and summer body pressures, South Korean health authorities are sounding the alarm over a disturbing body image trend spreading across social media platforms.
The Korea Health Promotion Institute (KHPI) on Thursday warned against the glamorization of extreme thinness—particularly the so-called “bone arm” ideal—highlighting its potential harm to both physical and mental health.
The term “bone arm” refers to unnaturally thin arms where the bone structure is visibly prominent, and is increasingly portrayed on social media as a desirable body type.
The KHPI noted that such images, often promoted by celebrities and influencers, promote distorted beauty standards that deviate significantly from healthy weight norms.
Some clinics have also capitalized on the trend, marketing cosmetic procedures such as liposuction and fat reduction using hashtags like “bone arm” and “skeleton slim,” drawing criticism for fueling unhealthy body image obsessions.
Officials warned that these trends may encourage pro-anorexia (Pro-Ana) behaviors, characterized by the promotion or normalization of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.
According to the National Health Insurance Service, the number of Koreans diagnosed with eating disorders rose nearly 39% from 9,474 in 2020 to 13,129 in 2023.
“Extremely low body weight can lead to serious health issues including menstrual irregularities, osteoporosis, and diabetes,” said Professor Moon Jong-yoon of Gachon University’s Department of Preventive Medicine. “It can also trigger psychiatric conditions such as eating disorders, which in severe cases may be fatal.”
To promote healthy body image and weight management, the KHPI recommends regular mealtimes, mindful eating without distractions, integrating physical activity into daily life, and tracking food intake alongside exercise levels.
As social media continues to shape beauty standards, health experts stress the need for greater awareness and responsibility to counteract the harmful spread of unrealistic body ideals.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
