BETWEEN HEALTH AND AESTHETICS: THE ROLE OF NURSING IN PROMOTING CARE IN TIMES OF EXTREME THINNESS WORSHIP - A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to understand the role of nursing in the face of the cult of extreme thinness, seeking to contribute to promoting a healthier relationship with one's own body. It is a narrative literature review, of a bibliographic nature and descriptive character. The search was carried out in the Virtual Health Library (BVS), SciELO, and PubMed databases, using the descriptors physical exercise, nursing, body image, health promotion, and mental health. Nineteen articles published between 2021 and 2026, freely available in Portuguese and English, were selected. The studies showed that aesthetic standards, intensified by social media, can lead to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and psychological suffering, contributing to restrictive diets, inappropriate use of weight-loss medications, and excessive exercise. Physical activity, when detached from idealized aesthetic standards, promotes physical and mental benefits. Nursing acts through health education, of welcoming, of attentive listening, and of valuing body diversity. In this way, it is concluded that nursing helps prevent the negative impacts of the extreme thinness craze, promoting self-esteem, holistic care, and a healthy relationship with the body and with physical and mental health.