"American Idol" runner-up Lauren Alaina lost 25 pounds and ignited an Internet debate. The country music singer describes her weight loss in this Us Weekly article, which features before and after photos. In response to the article, a Salon writer asks if Lauren is "suddenly too skinny." Here's an excerpt from the Salon piece:
Alaina's maxim that "you have to do it for yourself" sounds like a positive message of encouragement to other adolescents struggling to make healthy choices. But she’s also said things like: "I'm 10 pounds from my goal — almost there! I wear size small and extra-small now!" What's 10 pounds less than extra-small? Lauren Alaina's goal weight.
Some of the best-know female "Idol" finalists lost weight after appearing on the show. Please refer to Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. The Salon writer hints at a double standard, but male "Idol" singers aren't immune to criticism based on their physical appearance. Ruben Studdard took some heat about his weight, and Taylor Hicks was sometimes criticized for looking too old.
I'm not sure if Lauren's weight loss necessarily indicates a problem. She's also a lot busier now, and probably burning a lot of calories simply by managing a chaotic schedule. Geography likely plays a major role, too. In the South, where Lauren grew up, there's just a different standard when it comes to food options. You don't hear a lot about egg whites or exotic vegetables. Traveling in connection with "Idol" probably opened her eyes to foods she didn't think about at home. Bottom line? She's still a teenager whose body is changing. \What do you think?