Bupa’s campaign unveils AI images of what Brits consider a ‘healthy’ person looks like
The AI-generated pictures show a man and woman of slim build and toned muscles with shiny hair and glowing skin, reflecting the results of a study into 2,000 adults’ perceptions of health
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These AI-generated images depict what Brits believe ‘healthy’ looks like – a slim, toned man and woman with shiny hair and glowing skin, engaging in physical activity.
Both figures are non-disabled and unrestricted in their mobility, reflecting the results of a study into 2,000 adults’ perceptions of health.
Other characteristics associated with a ‘healthy person’ include good posture, ease of movement without aids, and low body fat.
However, while 54% of respondents consider themselves healthy, 20% admit they don’t fit this stereotypical image.
The research and images, part of Bupa’s ‘Health is…’ campaign, highlight that 43% believe this health stereotype neglects diverse body types and abilities.
To underscore the individuality of health, those using a tunnel in St Pancras leading to the Eurostar will see a powerful visual representation of their own health reflected in a mirror.
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Image:
Pinpep)
Paralympian Hannah Cockroft, collaborating with Bupa on the campaign, said: “Health is unique to everyone, yet many of us have a stereotypical idea of what healthy is.”
“The ‘one size fits all’ approach overlooks diverse body types and abilities that contribute to genuine wellbeing, inside and out. t’s crucial for people to understand that disability doesn’t define someone’s health or potential.”
“Embracing our differences can lead to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of what it truly means to be healthy and take away the pressure of fitting a stereotypical norm,”
The research found that while half of adults consider themselves physically fit, one in five (19%) rarely see anyone that looks like them featured in the media.
Therefore, 79% believe it is perfectly possible to be healthy, but not look like society’s idea of what that is.
Furthermore, six out of 10 believe society’s idea of what is healthy needs to change, as 78% feel health is unique to everyone.
Over a third (32%) claim they are healthier than they look, and 83% believe health is not purely physical.
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Image:
Bupa)
This impact is most felt by disabled people, with 40% wishing there was more representation of a wider range of body types and abilities in society.
And 20% even said that this affects their mental health. As a result, two thirds of disabled people polled, via OnePoll, feel society’s view of ‘healthy’ needs to change.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK, commented: “Our findings demonstrate a critical need to broaden society’s understanding of health.”
“While traditional images of health may be associated with certain physical attributes, true wellbeing encompasses a diverse range of body types, abilities, mental health and personal experiences.”
“We believe health is a deeply individual journey, and our ‘Health is…’ campaign seeks to embrace and celebrate this diversity.”
“Through our partnership with ParalympicsGB, we hope to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers in society and promote a more inclusive culture of what it means to be healthy and happy.”
TOP 15 ATTRIBUTES OF ‘GOOD HEALTH’, ACCORDING TO BRITS:
- Being able to move without difficulty or restricted with mobility
- Lots of energy
- Low body fat
- A positive mental attitude
- Good posture
- A flexible body
- Clear, glowing skin
- Full range of hearing
- Clean, white teeth
- 20-20 vision
- A diet of salads, high protein or low fat
- Non-disabled
- Shiny hair
- A full head of hair
- A defined jaw line with no double chin