In the Western world, fashion icons and celebrities push the notion that thin is always in. However, beauty in Mauritania is held to the, “big is beautiful and stretch marks are sexy” standard. There, obesity is viewed as a sign of wealth and status. Girls are encouraged from a young age to gain weight in order to fulfill their culture’s perception of beauty. Although the country is plagued with food shortages and droughts, Mauritanians practice the tradition of “leblouh” or “gavage” which means to “fatten up.” Girls usually begin this process as early as age 5. It is predicted that the heavier the girl, the more prospects she will have… Read More
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