Whether it's a desire for a flatter stomach, toned legs or a lower body mass index, many young women, unfortunately, are no stranger struggling with body image pressures. The latest obsession, according to some teen girls and experts, is attaining a "thigh gap."


Often featured in images on "thinspiration" blogs, the "thigh gap" -- an inch or two of space between the upper thighs -- has become an unhealthy obsession for some teen girls.


Last February, The Huffington Post wrote an exposé on the increasingly popular teenage "thinspo" community on Tumblr, and the ways in which the social media site was inadvertently promoting serious eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.


“It’s easier when you have people supporting any unhealthy habits you have,” Carolyn Gregoire, HuffPost Associate Lifestyle Editor, said in a HuffPost Live segment yesterday. “Whether it’s smoking or trying to become a really unhealthy weight, a lot of girls use Tumblr to connect with each other... and it really adds fuel to the fire of an unhealthy mentality.”


HuffPost Live explored this rising obsession yesterday, also discussing the trend with high school students Jenny Thorsheim and Emily Rozansk, and Julie Hanks, executive director of Wasatch Family Therapy.


Gregoire explained that the "thigh gap" is also a big part of fashion culture. "We’re seeing a lot of these ‘thinspo’ photos as street style or ‘real girls,'" she said. "There’s this community of women who have this style and ‘thinspo’ is a part of that. You have to be really skinny to wear these clothes and be a part of this fashion blogosphere."


While this body image obsession is often spurred by social media and fashion trends, young women say it is also the result of peer pressure and worrying about competing with other girls. "Girls care more about what other girls think of them than guys," said Rozansk. "They just really want to fit in and make friends, and they think having a shape like this will get them that.”


Still, Rozansk believes that the "thigh gap" fixation can open a new window of conversation about low self-esteem caused by an excessive focus on appearance, which can be remedied by focusing on inner beauty and the non-physical things that make someone special.


"It's always nice to get a compliment about how you look, but if it's a personal comment its even better," Thorsheim agreed with Gregoire. "I like being told I'm funny and nice. I think those compliments are 10 times better than saying, 'your hair looks nice today.'"


Tell us: Have you noticed the "thigh gap" trend on Tumblr or in real life? How do you deal with body image pressures? Share your thoughts in the comments or tweet @HuffPostTeen.


WATCH THE FULL SEGMENT ON HUFFPOST LIVE.


Also on HuffPost:






  • Stop Apologizing


    If a legitimate apology is warranted in the situation, then by all means, say you're sorry. But if you've gotten into the habit of apologizing just for taking up space, it's time to make a change. Don't apologize for being yourself, being different or going against the grain -- saying you're sorry for any of these things is saying that there's something wrong with you.




  • Develop Your Own Style


    Have you ever wanted to get a super-short haircut or try a fun new style that's totally different from what you've always worn? Don't let the fear of judgment stand in your way -- high school is the perfect time to experiment with new styles and figure out what sticks. Take a cue from Miley Cyrus (the queen of not caring what people say about her) and don't let haters stand in the way of trying new things.




  • Do Things Because They Matter To YOU


    It feels a whole lot better to do things because you really care about them, rather than because it's what everyone else is doing or something you feel like you should do. Enjoy the freedom of being your own person by choosing your actions, goals and dreams based on your own values -- not your best friends' or the guy your trying to impress.




  • Stop Overanalyzing


    Letting go of caring what other people think of you starts with the firm decision not to waste any of your energy on it. Learn to trust and believe in yourself -- which means NOT constantly second-guessing and overanalyzing your every action. When you start obsessing, remind yourself that you have absolutely no control over what people think anyway.




  • Remember That You Notice Your Flaws More Than Anyone Else Does


    Let's face it: Most people are too busy thinking about themselves all the time to concern themselves with the details of your appearance or behavior. The self-perceived "flaws" that seem so obvious to you -- that zit on your chin, your awkwardness in social situations -- are probably things that nobody else even notices.




  • Learn To Forgive Yourself


    Just as it's unhealthy to hold grudges against others, it's also a bad habit to refuse to forgive yourself for mistakes you may have made in the past. Forgiving yourself is a major step towards self-acceptance -- and if you accept yourself, who cares if anyone else does?




  • Embrace The Individuality Of Others


    Once you learn to be kind and accepting of yourself and all the things that make you different, try extending the same courtesy to everyone else in your life. Avoid gossip, negative thoughts and words towards others, and harmful actions, but above all, don't judge!