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Since young girls love playing with Barbie dolls so much, it would be unfair to say that they should not play with dolls that are based on older woman.However, there are other dolls that children can play with. Below is a photo of a more realistic doll called "Emme", based on a real life, plus size model.

This doll aims to promote a healthy body image. It's proportions are much more realistic than Barbie's, with bigger hips and broader shoulders.

I think that dolls like this would have a much more positive effect on girls body image and should be sold in toy shops instead of the Barbie doll. Studies have been done on the different effects that the Emme doll has on young girls compared to the effect that the barbie doll has on young girls. The research shows that girls who were exposed tot he barbie doll ate less than those exposed to the Emme doll.The research is explained in this article. Another experiment shows that exposure to barbie dolls at a young age may have a negative effect on young girls body image and may lead to eating disorders.

Therefore, the Barbie doll should be replaced by more realistic dolls to promote a healthier body image in girls.