Shrinking Natalie

The stories of Mischa Barton being hospitalized then committed to the psychiatric ward have been circulating around the internet for almost a week now. What's new is that according to People.com, a major contributing factor to whatever is troubling her was the scrutiny she faced about her weight - and her own dissatisfaction with her body.

I feel so much empathy for her. She's a beautiful girl but, if reports are to be believed, she is deeply unhappy and has a poor body image - contributed in-part by the media and tabloids. After reading the People story, I immediately thought:

1. Thank goodness I am not famous and didn't have to deal with the spotlight when I was obese, and
   
2. I can only imagine how screwed up I would be if I had to hear people speculating about my weight/cellulite.

I would have come unhinged if I could hear or read what my friends and family thought every time they saw me and I had put on that next 10 lbs. Or seen a picture every time an outfit was just too snug or unflattering.

Now Mischa, in NO WAY, needs to lose weight. And the media has NO RIGHT to criticize her this way. I think of other celebrities who, like myself, need to get healthier and endure a huge amount of ugliness because of it (Kirstie Alley and Oprah come to mind). Why is it permissible to make fun of people with weight or other body issues? Should (or is it even possible) the media be held accountable for their actions? After much hard work, blood, sweat, tears, and therapy I have come to a place where I feel comfortable and happy with my body. I probably would not feel this way at all if I was under a media microscope. The stories aren't just damaging to the celebs mental health, either, they impact everyone who reads them. Disparaging comments and ridiculous standards set by the media and Hollywood are toxic.