Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Modern Barbie, Ken Meet Realistic Body Ratios, Study Finds

8/12/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Associate professor Sara Grafenauer reported that current Barbie and Ken dolls have waist-to-hip and chest-to-waist ratios within normal ranges, albeit below average.
Comparison with U.S. adults 18-35 shows the dolls are more realistic than 1990s models, which matched less than one in ten million people.
Professors Kevin Norton and Belinda Durey said the changes reflect societal shifts and may improve children’s body perception.

1 of 1

Story summary

Associate professor Sara Grafenauer reported that current Barbie and Ken dolls have waist-to-hip and chest-to-waist ratios within normal ranges, albeit below average.
Comparison with U.S. adults 18-35 shows the dolls are more realistic than 1990s models, which matched less than one in ten million people.
Professors Kevin Norton and Belinda Durey said the changes reflect societal shifts and may improve children’s body perception.