Research has shown that certain eating videos on YouTube (e.g., mukbang) contain unhealthy eating behaviours and that viewers may focus on hosts' body type portrayed in these videos. However, there is currently no analysis of the messages conveyed in a wider range of eating videos, nor of the differences among various video-sharing platforms (e.g., cultural differences between popular Western and Chinese platforms). Therefore, the current study analysed eating and appearance-related messages from a range of eating-related videos (e.g., mukbang, eating challenge; N = 180), and compared the differences in these messages across three platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Bilibili). Results showed that most videos included young adult Asian or Caucasian hosts who engaged in overeating and displayed visual interactions and verbal or written exchanges (via captions or comments) between hosts and viewers, demonstrating that social media eating videos are engaging. Approximately half of the videos portrayed thin bodies. There were significant differences across the three platforms (e.g., more overeating featured in YouTube videos), which suggests that different platforms contain various types of messages of concern, and that different groups of people may be vulnerable to the possible impact of watching eating-related content on their eating behaviour and body image across the platforms.

Underpinned by the neurodiversity paradigm, scholars are increasingly interested in relationships between positive autistic identity (i.e., feeling satisfaction and pride with being autistic) and states of flourishing (i.e., where numerous aspects of a person's life and well-being are good) in autistic people. However, possible mediational pathways between these constructs remain relatively under-researched. Here, we propose a conceptual model wherein positive autistic identity is associated with flourishing in autistic adults via positive body image. To test this model, we recruited an online sample of 384 autistic adults (189 women, 195 men; M = 34.66 years, SD = 10.77) from the United Kingdom. Participants were asked to complete measures of satisfaction with autistic identity, body appreciation, and flourishing, and provide their demographic information. Structural equation modelling showed that body appreciation mediated the association between satisfaction with autistic identity and flourishing. The mediational triangle remained significantly robust after controlling for participant demographics. Future research should consider promoting positive autistic identity as a means of developing more positive body image and capacities to flourish in autistic adults.

Racialised appearance ideals displayed in media and advertising imagery privilege white or light skin. Yet, little research has tested how white or light skin ideals in advertising influence body image. In this online experimental study, South Asian women in the UK (N = 194, Mage = 28.6 years) recruited via Prolific, were randomly assigned to view advertisements that featured either South Asian women with dark skin, South Asian women with light skin, White women, or products only. Dependent variables included appearance and skin shade satisfaction, mood (feeling confident, inspired, anxious, depressed), and advertising effectiveness. Repeated measure ANOVAs and post-hoc analyses showed that viewing White models reduced participants' skin shade satisfaction and lowered their confidence. Exposure to advertisements with South Asian models with dark skin increased the extent to which women felt inspired, while exposure to advertisements with South Asian models with light skin increased appearance satisfaction. Exposure to either of the South Asian models reduced women's anxiety. Our results present compelling evidence that representation matters - in terms of body image and wellbeing as well as advertising effectiveness. As little experimental work has been conducted on skin shade representation in advertising on body image outcomes, we outline several important future directions.