The scrutiny placed upon the appearance of high-profile women is relentless, but for former First Lady Michelle Obama, the intensity reached a fever pitch this week. The catalyst? A series of new, striking behind-the-scenes images from a private photoshoot with legendary photographer Annie Leibovitz.
The photos immediately went viral, not for any political message, but because Obama appeared noticeably slimmer and more sculpted than in her recent public appearances.
