Former Body Positivity Influencer Speaks Out

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Gabriella Lascano, a former body positivity influencer, recounts her journey from championing the movement to becoming a critic. She describes how the well-intentioned body positivity movement has become self-destructive, with some advocates downplaying the health risks linked to obesity and even criticizing those who choose to lose weight. Lascano argues that there is a middle ground, one that doesn't require a return to the toxic beauty standards of the early 2000s but a move toward what she considers true body positivity.

Why it matters

The rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs has disrupted the body positivity movement, with some advocates embracing the new treatments while others reject them, fearing a return to fatphobia. This debate highlights the complexities of promoting self-love and acceptance while also acknowledging the health risks associated with obesity.

The details

Lascano, a content creator known for her work in the plus-size fashion and beauty industries, describes how she started to question the body positivity movement as she noticed her own weight increasing. She argues that 'loving myself at any size had become an excuse to ignore how big I was getting,' and that the movement has become self-destructive, with some advocates downplaying the health risks linked to obesity.

• The body positivity movement gained momentum in the years following the early 2000s.
• GLP-1 weight loss drugs have become increasingly popular in recent years, with 18% of adults saying they've taken such a drug.

What they’re saying