Ariana Grande, Jenna Ortega, Eating Disorders and the Media
In this episode, Asif and Ali examine the intense public scrutiny surrounding Ariana Grande and Jenna Ortega and what our fascination with celebrities’ bodies reveals about the culture we have created. They discuss why an eating disorder cannot be diagnosed from a photograph, Grande’s public comments about body scrutiny, Ortega’s reflections on her experiences as a child actor, and the ways celebrity culture, social media, appearance comparison and unrealistic beauty standards can affect body image and disordered eating. They also talk about Chadwick Boseman and how certain groups made assumptions about him when he lost weight due to colon cancer. The guys then review also explore the responsibilities of journalists, podcasters, social-media platforms and audiences when covering these sensitive issues—including the dangers of speculation, triggering imagery, “thinspiration” and armchair diagnoses.
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay
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Show Notes:
- Ariana Grande - Petal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afSgBNwmZrQ&list=RDafSgBNwmZrQ&start_radio=1
- Jenna Ortega Thought “Wednesday” Would End Her Career | How I Got Here | Esquire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDN_oms-lvg&t=36s
- The New Yorker — Ariana Grande and the Disappointment of Diagnosis: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/critics-notebook/ariana-grande-and-the-disappointment-of-diagnosis
- Variety — Ariana Grande Eating Disorder Speculation Is Harmful: https://variety.com/2026/music/news/ariana-grande-eating-disorder-speculation-harmful-1236827071/
- The Guardian — Ariana Grande Body Debate and Eating Disorders: https://www.theguardian.com/music/ng-interactive/2026/aug/08/ariana-grande-body-debate-eating-disorders
- CNN — Ariana Grande, Weight and Body Concerns: https://www.cnn.com/2026/08/03/entertainment/ariana-grande-weight-body-cec
- The Express Tribune — Jenna Ortega Becomes Latest Celebrity to Prompt Health Concerns With Gaunt Appearance: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2623442/jenna-ortega-becomes-latest-celebrity-to-prompt-health-concerns-with-gaunt-appearance
- Celebrity influence on body image and eating disorders: A review: PubMed PMID 33499697 (PubMed)
- The association between social comparison in social media, body image concerns and eating disorder symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis: PubMed PMID 39721448 (PubMed)
- National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): nationaleatingdisorders.org
- National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC): nedic.ca
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