“Terribly thin. I hope she can turn this around before it’s too late. I’m sure her organs are working overtime,” read one comment, capturing the growing concern among fans who closely follow Ariana Grande’s public appearances and social media posts.
Another wrote, “She suffers from anxiety and this picture actually looks as if she is getting better. She was smaller than this at one point,” highlighting how her mental health struggles are intertwined with perceptions of her physical wellbeing.
“I hope she’s okay. She doesn’t look well,” another fan added. “…Something is up,” reflecting the unease shared by many who have noticed changes in her appearance over time.
Quickly, social media erupted with speculation that Ariana Grande’s current physique could be the result of an eating disorder (ED), prompting heated discussions online.
“There is Hollywood skinny then there’s not ok skinny, and she is not ok; that is alarming skinny,” one commenter warned, drawing a distinction between the typical slimness expected in the entertainment industry and a potentially dangerous level of thinness.
“This is anorexia,” another person remarked, while one more fan added, “Damn, she’s anorexic. She needs help as soon as possible, before her heart stops,” emphasizing the seriousness of their concern.
“This is actually getting really concerning,” a fan wrote, noting that “every time she’s out and about she looks like she’s getting skinnier. To the people saying she’s fine, no she isn’t. This is the purest example of anorexia there is.”
“She clearly has an ED and she needs help,” another stated. “She’s scarily skinny these days … Atp she’s just skin and bones.” These comments illustrate the mix of fear, concern, and urgency expressed by her fan base.
Dr. Patrick Wanis, a behavioral and relationship expert, explained that much of this constant commentary is influenced by what psychologists call a “parasocial relationship”—a one-sided emotional attachment fans develop toward a celebrity, despite the celebrity having no awareness of these fans’ existence.
“Ariana Grande became famous as a Nickelodeon child star around age 17,” Dr. Wanis explained in an email to Bored Panda. “The public has grown up with her and sees her through the lens of nostalgia, purity, and a fixed image of youth. Accordingly, any physical change—weight loss, weight gain, or aging—is magnified because people expect her to remain the same forever. Her fans identify with her youth, and this magnifies concern over even minor changes.”
The discussion of weight and appearance is nothing new in the entertainment industry. Celebrities like Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, and many others frequently make headlines for any fluctuations in weight, whether it’s gain or loss. The scrutiny is often relentless, with little room for nuance or context.
Extraordinary pressure
Female celebrities, in particular, face immense societal and professional pressure to maintain a certain look, which can sometimes lead to unhealthy weight loss practices and mental health struggles. While Ariana Grande has not publicly addressed the concerns about her health, her fans continue to voice their hopes that she prioritizes her well-being.
“The public expects female celebrities to strike an impossible balance—thin but not ‘too thin,’ toned but not ‘too muscular,’ natural but not ‘too real.’ This is an extension of the extraordinary pressure and societal expectation placed on women,” Dr. Wanis elaborated.
He further noted that this “toxic mix of nostalgia, beauty standards, and social media culture” creates enormous pressure on Grande and other pop stars to “remain frozen in time – eternally youthful, while still conforming to impossible expectations or unattainable standards, if not perfection.” Such expectations can magnify anxiety, stress, and even contribute to disordered eating behaviors in extreme cases.
Ariana’s journey, however, has been one of openness and resilience. From overcoming personal challenges to finding her voice in a highly demanding industry, she has often shared her experiences with her fans, earning admiration for her honesty and perseverance.
Her fans, while concerned, continue to support her emotionally and publicly. Many emphasize that her physical and mental health are far more important than public perception or the pressures of celebrity life. They encourage her to prioritize self-care, mental health, and nutrition above all else.
As social media discussions continue, it is clear that Ariana’s supporters want to see her flourish holistically. Beyond the fame, music, and media attention, her wellbeing remains the top priority. Fans are hopeful that she will remain strong, healthy, and empowered to take the time she needs to care for herself, while the public continues to watch with a mixture of concern, admiration, and love for the pop icon who has grown up in the spotlight.