Supermodel Ashley Graham Reflects On ‘Body Shaming’ And Being Made To Feel Conscious Of Her Weight In Childhood

Sep 01, 2023

Ashley Graham is an American supermodel and television presenter. Besides being known for her successful career as a model, Graham also advocates for body positivity and has been involved in inclusion movements.

Graham has always been open about body positivity. The model had an interview with Vogue Germany on Aug. 25, 2023, for the magazine's September 2023 cover issue. During the chat, the supermodel reflected on the heartbreaking memory of being made to feel conscious of her weight during her preteen days in the fashion world.

This was not the first time Graham had gotten candid about being body-shamed. Even though the model has always promoted body positivity and encouraged others to love their body, people capitalize on her weight when they get the chance. Graham is popularly known as a plus-sized model who has unapologetically flaunted her aura. However, after moving to New York and losing weight, the model faced a series of backlash by some of her fans.

Graham shared an Instagram photo on Oct. 12, 2018, flaunting her trimmer figure. Instead of receiving positive comments, the model was body-shamed by critics who did not support her weight loss. Some internet users claimed that Graham abandoned her identity as a plus-sized model and could no longer represent them. One user also wrote, "You betrayed a lot of people!" claiming that they were no longer fans. The star bemoaned this in an interview with Grazia, as she said: 

"Body shaming and calling women out for something that is none of your business shouldn't be right."

Whether being called out for losing weight or picked apart for being plus size, one thing is for sure: Graham has attained optimum success. In April 2023, she was named the "world's sexist woman" by Maxim Magazine. 

Graham has been dealing with others being focused on her weight for the longest time. During her candid talk with Vogue, the model opened up about her childhood days in her modeling career. Graham started working as a model at 12 and shared the biased attitude thrown at her in the industry. The model reflected on what a photographer told her mother. She shared:

"One of the first photographers I worked with said to my mother. If Ashley would lose weight and go from a size 12 to a size 6, she could work all the time."

The public figure continued that she was only a preteen when she heard such words. She continued that even at such an early age, she was made to feel conscious of her body. She reflected on how she became conscious that her thighs were touching, her belly fat was curving out of her jeans, and that her arms were bigger than other models.

Although these painful memories remain fresh in Graham's mind, she pointed out that she fortunately started loving her figure after welcoming her three children. She stated:

"I don't want to lie to myself and say, ‘Belly, after three children, you look so great! I can accept and love my body and thank it for giving birth to three healthy children."

The model also shared her thoughts on body image during the interview. She noted that the next step towards change can only be taken the day "it becomes normal not to talk at all about someone's body who wears a size larger." She then concluded the interview stating that she has paved the way and was still paving the way for all women. 

Isn't it inspiring that Ashley Graham excelled despite the hardships she faced from childhood? What are your thoughts on how societal norms are fixated on body types and weight? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to other Ashley Graham fans.