Exposing #fitspo culture: 'People want a quick fix solution, people want extremes'

A growing fashion for muscular bodies seems to be empowering women, but, Ellie O’Byrne asks, is it really just another dangerous beauty stick to beat women with?

Exposure to “fitspiration” content on social media has been shown to increase individuals’ body dissatisfaction

From her early teens onwards, Donna Dunne kept a balance sheet in her head. On one side, everything she ate; on the other, her exercise regimen.

Struggling with dyslexia growing up in Wexford in the eighties, when the approach in schools was harsh and supports non-existent, by the time she reached secondary school, Donna had found a self-esteem boosting outlet in sports.