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Cellulite
Health & Beauty

Understanding Cellulite & Breaking Beauty Standards for Women

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Cellulite is a condition where the skin appears dimpled or lumpy, often compared to the texture of an orange peel.

It occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin, typically in areas like the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen.

Despite common misconceptions, cellulite is not an indicator of poor health or excess weight. It is a natural occurrence that affects up to 90% of women at some point in their lives, regardless of body type, size, or fitness level.

While there have been talks around this condition for a while, the conversation kickstarted once again at the Paris Olympics 2024 with Olympian Ilona Maher, who shouldn’t be talking about her body or merit, but of course, a shut-up call had to be given to tools and social media.

 

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The Science Behind Cellulite

Various factors, including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle influence cellulite. Estrogen, insulin, and thyroid hormones are thought to play a role in its development. Additionally, the structure of women’s connective tissue and fat distribution is different from men’s, making women more prone to developing cellulite. While many people associate cellulite with being overweight, even lean and fit women can have it, as it’s more about skin structure and biology than body fat alone.

The Stigma Surrounding Cellulite

For decades, cellulite has been stigmatized, largely due to unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the media. Airbrushed images of women with perfectly smooth skin have created a narrow definition of beauty, leading many to view cellulite as a flaw or imperfection. This perception has been reinforced by the beauty and wellness industries, which have marketed countless products and treatments aimed at “reducing” or “eliminating” cellulite, often with little scientific backing.

Women Breaking the Stereotype

In recent years, a powerful shift has begun as more women embrace their natural bodies and challenge conventional beauty standards. Social media has played a crucial role in this movement, with influencers, celebrities, and everyday women sharing unfiltered, authentic images of themselves, and cellulite. By doing so, they are reclaiming their bodies and sending a strong message: cellulite is normal, and it does not define one’s beauty or worth.

Celebrities like Ashley Graham, Chrissy Teigen, and Iskra Lawrence have openly discussed their cellulite, helping to destigmatize the condition. Brands and fashion lines are also starting to embrace diversity in their campaigns, featuring models of different shapes, sizes, and skin textures. This inclusivity is slowly but surely redefining what is considered beautiful.

The Impact of Body Positivity

The body positivity movement has empowered many women to feel confident and comfortable in their skin, regardless of societal expectations. This movement encourages self-acceptance and challenges the idea that beauty is a one-size-fits-all concept. By normalizing cellulite and other natural body features, women are collectively rejecting the pressure to conform to narrow beauty ideals.

It is NORMAL, women with cellulite are BEAUTIFUL, and it DOES NOT DEFINE who you are.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

Also Read:
High Testosterone in Pakistani Women: Causes & Implications

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Arshad Nadeem
LifestyleSports

Arshad Nadeem Requests Govt. For ‘Gas, Electricity & University for Women’

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A

Olympian Arshad Nadeem has once again won the hearts of millions of Pakistanis and has proved he is a true champion and advocate by requesting the government to give his villagers their basic rights.

Nadeem, in an interview, requests the government for just 3 simple things, gas, electricity, and a University for women. In the interview clip, Arshad Nadeem shares that to receive an education, his sisters (women) in the village have to travel for hours, some even to another city to pursue a career.

My village needs roads. If the government provides cooking gas, it would be great for me and my village. I also have a dream that Mian Channu city gets a university so that our sisters won’t have to travel to Multan, which is 1.5 to 2 hours away, to study. If the government makes a university here it would be great news for my village and the neighbouring ones, – Arshad Nadeem

Also Read:
Samar Khan Calls Out Lahore Customs for Demanding Rs. 50,000 for Hiking Boots

The 27-year-old hails from a village called Mian Channu and when he got back, he got a hero’s welcome. He had made his family, his village, and his country proud on the big stage. He deserved to be treated like the champion that he was.

Overnight, Nadeem became a national hero when he won gold in the javelin throw event at the Paris Olympics. Arshad won Pakistan’s first individual gold at the games, first gold since 1984, third individual medal, first individual medal since 1988, first medal since 1992, and 11th medal overall.

Arshad’s Olympic record throw of 92.97m was enough to seal the deal. Even Tokyo gold medallist Neeraj Chopra could not breach it and managed 89.45m to settle for silver.

Kudos to Nadeem! We are extremely proud of him and his achievements. Pakistan Zindabad!

Stay tuned to WOW360.

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samar khan
LifestyleSports

Samar Khan Calls Out Lahore Customs for Demanding Rs. 50,000 for Hiking Boots

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Samar Khan’s Struggles: Pakistani athlete Samar Khan expressed frustration on Instagram about the challenges athletes face, such as delays of up to three years to obtain necessary equipment and the struggle to secure sponsorships, highlighting that unlike other countries where brands support athletes, Pakistani athletes often have to chase sponsorships themselves.
  • Customs Issue: Khan revealed that customs at Lahore International Airport seized her sponsored hiking boots, demanding a hefty Rs. 50,000 “storage fee,” preventing her from using them for her upcoming expedition, which underscores the systemic issues faced by athletes in Pakistan.

Athlete Samar Khan recently took to Instagram to unleash her frustration at Lahore Int. Airport customs. Khan initially starts the video by saying that athletes in Pakistan have to struggle day and night to get the equipment they need to train to represent Pakistan around the globe.

Sometimes it can take up to 3+ years for them to find equipment to complete their kits. Athletes around the world are sponsored by brands and are given costly equipment so that they can represent their homeland however its the opposite in Pakistan. Athletes here have to run after brands to sponsor them.

Samar Khan then shared that she received a pair of hiking boots from a brand that sponsored, however, the customs have seized them, and are now asking for an Rs. 50,000 ‘storage fee’.

The caption of her video reads:

The corrupt officials, the government, and this ugly system will never support their athletes, and they’ll make sure nobody else does either!

My mountaineering boots which are sponsored by an international company, are detained by Lahore customs as if I am a criminal or a multi millionaire.

Please help me receive it so that I could use them in my next expedition.

Also Read
Muslim Boxer Imane Khelif Becomes Target of Racist Attack at Paris Olympics

Pakistani Athletes at Paris Olympics 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics, was scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11, will feature athletes from around the world competing across a wide range of sports. Pakistan, a country with a rich history of Olympic participation, will be represented by 7 athletes in various disciplines.

Challenges Faced by Pakistani Athletes

Pakistani athletes face a multitude of challenges that hinder their performance and preparation for international events like the Olympics. Here are some of the primary issues:

1. Lack of Infrastructure

  • Limited Facilities: Pakistan’s sports infrastructure is often inadequate, with limited access to world-class training facilities, equipment, and coaching staff.
  • Training Grounds: Many athletes train in subpar conditions, lacking proper stadiums, gyms, and specialized training centers.
  • Government Support: There is often insufficient government investment in sports infrastructure, affecting the athletes’ preparation.

2. Financial Constraints

  • Sponsorship Issues: Athletes often struggle to find sponsors, making it difficult to fund their training, travel, and participation in international events.
  • Personal Expenses: Many athletes have to bear the costs themselves or rely on personal networks for financial support.
  • Government Funding: While some government support exists, it is often insufficient and inconsistently distributed among sports.

3. Limited Exposure and Opportunities

  • International Competitions: Limited opportunities to compete in international events hinder athletes’ exposure and experience.
  • Training Camps Abroad: Lack of access to international training camps and expertise affects skill development.
  • Media Coverage: Poor media coverage and recognition of sports other than cricket limit public interest and support.

4. Administrative Challenges

  • Bureaucratic Hurdles: Complex and bureaucratic processes often delay funding, selection, and support for athletes.
  • Corruption: Mismanagement and corruption within sports federations can impact the distribution of resources and opportunities.
  • Political Influence: Political interference in sports administration affects merit-based selection and support.

5. Cultural and Social Barriers

  • Gender Inequality: Female athletes often face societal pressures and lack of encouragement compared to their male counterparts.
  • Cultural Stigma: Certain sports may face cultural resistance, affecting athletes’ acceptance and support within their communities.
  • Awareness and Encouragement: Lack of awareness and encouragement at grassroots levels limits the pool of emerging talent.

While many athletes were hopeful of making it to the finals, the road is fraught with obstacles. Overcoming these challenges requires concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and society to create an environment where athletes can thrive and achieve their potential on the world stage.

Stay tuned to WOW360.

Also Read:
High Testosterone in Pakistani Women: Causes & Implications

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imane khelif
LifestyleSports

Muslim Boxer Imane Khelif Becomes Target of Racist Attack at Paris Olympics

by Ayesal A
written by Ayesal A
  • Imane Khelif, a female Algerian boxer, won her first fight at the Paris Olympics, despite facing scrutiny over her gender identity after reports resurfaced about her failing gender eligibility tests due to male chromosomes.
  • The victory sparked significant controversy, with several prominent figures, including J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk, criticizing Khelif’s participation. In contrast, others, like Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, expressed concerns over fairness in women’s sports.
  • The International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemned the backlash against Khelif. It criticized the decision to disqualify her from previous competitions, highlighting issues with governance and procedure in the International Boxing Association.

A female boxer whose gender identity has been recently scrutinized claimed victory in her first match at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif secured a win against Italy’s Angela Carini after Carini withdrew from the fight just 46 seconds in. Carini stopped the about following a brief exchange of punches, did not shake Khelif’s hand, and then fell to the floor in tears.

Khelif’s involvement in Olympic women’s boxing has faced criticism after recent reports resurfaced regarding her and another boxer, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, failing to meet gender eligibility tests at last year’s Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi. At that time, sporting authorities claimed that the athletes did not pass an unspecified test due to the presence of male chromosomes.

Khelif, aged 25, has consistently competed as a woman, including during the Tokyo Olympics. There is no evidence suggesting she identifies as transgender or intersex, the latter being a condition where individuals are born with sex characteristics that don’t conform strictly to the male-female gender binary.

Carini explained that she ended Thursday’s fight due to “severe pain” in her nose. She stated she isn’t qualified to determine whether Khelif should be allowed to compete.

“I am not here to judge or pass judgment,” Carini told reporters after the match. “Whether it’s right or wrong for an athlete to compete in this way is not for me to decide.”

Others were less hesitant in their opinions.

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“We must be cautious that, in trying not to discriminate, we might be discriminating against women,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented during a visit to the Olympic Village. “In these matters, what matters is your dedication, your mindset, and your character, but having an equal playing field is also important.”

Several American politicians, including former President Donald Trump, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, also voiced their opinions on the fight.

“I WILL KEEP MEN OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS!” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Khelif’s victory also elicited reactions from several prominent figures known for their controversial statements on transgender issues.

J.K. Rowling, the author of “Harry Potter,” repeatedly referred to Khelif as “male” and described the match as a “brutal injustice” in a series of posts on X.

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, and owner of X, who has been criticized for comments about his estranged trans daughter, also weighed in. In response to a post that included a video of the fight with the caption “Kamala supports this…vote accordingly,” Musk, who endorsed Trump last month, replied: “True or let her deny it.”

While the majority of online reactions appeared critical, Khelif received support from some quarters. Ismaël Bennacer, a soccer player for the Algerian national team, defended Khelif.

“Full support for our champion Imane Khelif, who is facing a wave of unjustified hatred,” he wrote on X. “Her presence at the Olympic Games is purely a result of her talent and hard work.”

Khelif celebrated her win on social media, posting a photo of herself from the fight on Instagram with the caption “first Victory.” She did not address the criticisms in her post but has previously described her disqualification from the world championships last year as a “conspiracy.”

In a statement on Thursday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) condemned the backlash against Khelif and Taiwan’s Lin during the Olympics, as well as the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) decision to disqualify them from last year’s Women’s World Boxing Championships.

“The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure — especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years,” the statement read. “Such an approach contradicts good governance.”

The IOC’s statement noted that it withdrew recognition of the IBA last year due to governance, financial transparency issues, and perceived instances of corruption.

For the Paris 2024 Games, the IOC refers to the Paris 2024 Boxing Unit, an ad-hoc unit it developed, for eligibility standards. Thursday’s statement clarified, “As with previous Olympic boxing competitions, the gender and age of the athletes are based on their passport.”

The Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee did not respond to requests for comment regarding the criticism surrounding Khelif’s win.

Algeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Abderrahmane Hammad, addressed the controversy over Khelif’s gender identity on Wednesday.

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“I strongly condemn the baseless attacks on our athlete, Imane Khelif, by certain foreign outlets,” he wrote on X. “These cowardly attempts to tarnish her reputation are utterly unacceptable.”

In social media posts on Thursday, the Algerian Olympic and Sports Committee celebrated Khelif’s victory.

“We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you shine even more in the next stages,” stated one translated Facebook post.

Khelif’s next match is against Hungary’s Luca Anna Hamori in the women’s 66-kilogram quarterfinals on Saturday.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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