Cosmetic Surgery and Body Image Among Utah Women: A 2025 Update

In this episode we discuss a recently released research snapshot titled “Cosmetic Surgery and Body Image Among Utah Women: A 2025 Update.” This snapshot examines how cultural, social, religious, and personal factors influence body image, perceptions of cosmetic surgery and beauty standards in Utah. Using state and national data, the report explores whether Utah’s reputation for high rates of elective cosmetic procedures reflects reality or perception. The analysis highlights four areas: beauty standards, cosmetic surgery trends, cultural influences, and efforts to promote positive body image. What do these findings reveal about how these areas influence body image among Utah women, and the efforts underway to promote greater confidence and self-acceptance? We’ll explore all of that and more in today’s episode. 

Dr. Susan Madsen, a Professor of Organizational Leadership in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University and the Founding Director of the Utah Women & Leadership Project and A Bolder Way Forward, is joined by Corinne Clarkson, co-author of the report and a research associate at the Utah Women & Leadership Project.