Body shaming is a hot topic right now. It’s something that we see on TV, in the media, and all over social media.
Whether body shaming happens to celebrities or average people, it can be hurtful and insulting to those who are overweight or obese.
Lizzo has been one of the most outspoken celebrities on this issue. She has started a movement on self-acceptance.
But, should we not care about how much we weigh, and just love our bodies no matter how we look? Is Lizzo fat? Keep reading to learn what other fitness gurus have to say!
Is Lizzo Fat? Her Body-Positivity Message
Lizzo’s fans see the positive messages that she shares as a breath of fresh air in a world where body shaming seems to be the norm.
For example, one of her messages reads: “go home tonight and look in the mirror and say, ‘I love you, you are beautiful, and you can do anything!”
Now, I support this kind of messages. What I don’t support are her videos of her eating junk food and implying to her fans that it’s ok to eat whatever they want. (Check out my blog post “How To Stop Eating Junk Food”)
Unfortunately, Lizzo is sending mixed messages that sometimes promote body positivity and other times promote the idea that it’s ok to overeat.
And for the curious, how much does Lizzo weigh? About 308 pounds (140kg)!
It’s no surprise that Lizzo’s body-positivity messages have caused controversy, especially among fitness gurus.
Jillian Michaels vs Lizzo
Jillian Michaels is a well-known fitness guru, specializing in weight loss. And if you follow me, you know I believe in her methodology.
Jillian Michaels’ frustration stems from Lizzo’s insistence on promoting unhealthy habits, and believes she should just stick to what she does best, music. Jillian Michaels said this about the matter:
“Why are we celebrating her [Lizzo’s] body? Why does it matter?” Michaels responded. “Why aren’t we celebrating her music? ‘Cause it isn’t going to be awesome if she gets diabetes. I’m just being honest. Like, I love her music. Like, my kid loves her music. But there’s never a moment where I’m like, ‘And I’m so glad she’s overweight!”
-Jillian Michaels
For the record, Jillian Michaels’ messages have always been about encouraging people to be healthy, not about shaming them for being overweight.
Greg Doucette vs Lizzo
Greg Doucette is a well-known YouTube bodybuilder. He has several videos where he criticizes Lizzo and accuses her of promoting gluttony.
He is even more unedited than Jillian Michaels about the way he speaks of Lizzo. He calls her out by saying that she should not self-justify what she is doing by getting her fans to also accept their overweight bodies.
“People care so much about what others say to them- that they forget what they are telling themselves!”
-Greg Doucette
Greg Doucette believes that to love your body is to want to do something about it. If we are overweight, we need to accept it and not avoid the possible consequences.
What Is Body Shaming?
Body shaming is a real thing, and it is bullying. Body shaming is when someone’s body part or whole body is judged negatively. Whether it happens at school or at home, it is not ok.
Constantly being put down can lead someone to have a distorted body image. This can lead to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and many other mental health issues.
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Effects of Body Shaming On Mental Health
When I was overweight as a teenager, I had low self-esteem. It meant that I avoided others, hated trying on clothes, taking pictures, etc.
I remember going to El Salvador (the country I immigrated from) with my mom during this time. My mom and I visited one of my aunts, and all she kept pointing out was how much weight I had gained.
Without knowing the correct phrase then, I now know I was being body shamed!
Because of that experience, I decided not to visit some of my childhood friends that I had not seen in years. I was embarrassed to let them see how much I had gained weight since they had last seen me.
I look back now and think that maybe if I had Lizzo back then, I would not have cared what others thought about me as much and would have enjoyed my vacation in El Salvador more.
However, If I had Lizzo back then, I also hope that I would realize that it’s unhealthy for me to be overweight and would have lost the weight just as I did.
Body Shaming vs Being Healthy
Even though I have had my fair share of body shaming experiences, I don’t believe that just because a loved one has a conversation with you about your weight that they are body shaming you.
I believe that someone who truly cares about you should be able to bring up important health questions. They most likely do not want to hurt your feelings and they just genuinely want what’s best for you!
Do not feel offended by their questions. It is important to listen and take in what they are saying.
I believe that we should practice self-love no matter how our bodies look. However, we also need to accept that when we are overweight or obese we are not healthy.
Being overweight or obese can prevent us from doing things we love, like playing with our kids, or going for a long nature hike with our significant other.
Health problems can include high blood pressure, diabetes, and breathing problems. We should never ignore our body’s warning signs!
You don’t have to change your body to feel beautiful, but you do have to change your body to be healthy.
Conclusion
For many people, body-positivity means feeling confident no matter what they wear or eat or look like.
The popular misconception of the word body positive is meaning you can do anything you want without consequences.
While I would never condone body shaming, if you are overweight, practice self-love by becoming a healthier you.
Fitness gurus like Jillian Michaels and Greg Doucette disagree with Lizzo’s message, and recommend to us to lose weight by eating less and moving more.
I encourage you to read next my blog post “How To Motivate Yourself To Lose Weight: 9 Simple Steps!” so that you too can get on the path to health!
Lily
Hi, I'm Lily! Like you, I have struggled with my weight. It was not an easy journey but I was able to lose 40 pounds and have kept it off for 14 years. My goal is to share with you all the research, tips, and tricks that I have learned over the years to help you lose weight also.Download this cheat sheet to learn the secrets to go from busy and out-of-shape to energetic and fit!
