Singer Ariana Grande’s new music video and latest album have once again sparked public discussion about her appearance, raising broader questions about how society talks about celebrities’ bodies and beauty standards.

The release of her new album, “Petal,” last week and a new music video have led to renewed comments about Grande’s thin appearance.

Some people have expressed concern about her health, while others say such comments amount to body-shaming and invade her privacy. Others argue that celebrities’ influence on young fans makes discussions about their appearance unavoidable.

Grande, 33, has faced public scrutiny over her appearance throughout her career. More recently, attention has focused on the visibility of parts of her body, including her sternum and rib cage.

Grande has rejected suggestions that she is unhealthy and has repeatedly said that commenting on other people’s bodies is inappropriate. Her representative told People magazine that Grande plans to step back from public life after her current tour because of what was described as “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.”

Her latest video also addresses the pressure and judgment that often come with fame. In the nearly seven-minute video, Grande portrays the harsh process of being evaluated and judged as a public figure.

The discussion has also prompted experts to question whether public comments about celebrities’ bodies are helpful.

Johanna Kandel, founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, said people should consider why they are making such comments and what effect those comments may have.

Scrutiny of women’s appearances is nothing new
Public figures have long faced intense scrutiny, while women in particular have often been judged by their appearance.

Although efforts to promote body acceptance have grown in recent years, changing ideas about beauty, health and thinness continue to fuel debate.

The growing use of weight-loss medications, including among celebrities, has added another layer to the discussion. Some experts worry that the increasing visibility of very thin celebrities could affect people who already struggle with body image or eating disorders.

Allison Butler, a senior lecturer in communication at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said the debate can become overly divided between criticizing Grande’s appearance and demanding that nobody discuss it at all.

Experts generally agree that people should avoid making assumptions about another person’s health based solely on their appearance.

Rachel Goldman, a psychologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine, said people should resist speculating about celebrities’ bodies.

Public comments about someone’s appearance, whether intended as praise or criticism, can reinforce the idea that a person’s value depends on how they look, she said.

At the same time, experts say concerns about eating disorders and unhealthy relationships with food should not simply be ignored. Kandel recalled that when someone first expressed concern about her own eating disorder, the comment was harsh rather than supportive.

She said such issues should be discussed with curiosity and compassion instead of criticism.

Talking to children about body image
Experts say parents can help children by shifting conversations away from judging bodies and toward understanding the messages society sends about appearance.

Goldman said children should be reminded that appearance alone does not indicate whether someone is healthy or doing well.

“Young people need to understand that their body is just one part of who they are,” she said, adding that a person’s worth is not determined by body size or shape.

Jennifer Hill, a 56-year-old pediatric nurse from Broomall, Pennsylvania, tries to teach that message to her 16-year-old daughter, who is a cheerleader and runner.

Hill said her daughter dislikes comments about her body, so she reminds her that everyone is different and that people are born with different bodies.

Hill said attitudes have improved since her youth in the 1980s, when people were often more open about making harsh comments about appearance. However, she said social media has created new pressures for young people.

Through her work with young people experiencing emotional difficulties or eating disorders, Hill has also seen how sensitive conversations about body image can be.

Her advice to parents is to listen rather than make direct or judgmental comments.

“Communication is key,” she said, stressing the importance of open conversations in which young people are given space to speak.

Grande sets boundaries
Grande recently addressed her fans from the stage, saying she knows some people are worried that negative attention is affecting her.

She said the situation is more complicated and that setting personal boundaries and taking a break can both be necessary while still allowing her to enjoy her professional and creative work.

Her comments were met with loud cheers from fans, many of whom are young women.