Lizzo Reassesses Body Positivity Movement Amid Personal Health Journey
In a candid conversation with Andy Cohen on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy, Grammy-winning artist Lizzo opened up about her evolving views on the body positivity movement, a cause she has long championed. In recent remarks, Lizzo expressed her concerns regarding the commercialization and misinterpretation of body positivity, emphasizing that its original mission has been somewhat distorted.
The Shift in the Movement’s Meaning
Lizzo highlighted that the body positivity movement originally emerged as a political statement against societal norms dictating how individuals should look. She criticized the ways in which the term has been appropriated, stating, “The body positivity movement was very political, and it got taken and kind of commercialized — and now body positivity to people is code word for fat.” This shift has led to misunderstandings about her own stance on body positivity. Lizzo clarified, “I’m not fat anymore. But I’m still body positive…” underscoring that the movement was initially founded by marginalized groups, including individuals with larger bodies, disabilities, and those in the LGBTQ+ community, who often faced societal rejection.
Lizzo reminisced about the movement’s powerful trajectory during 2016, noting how it was instrumental in challenging restrictive societal expectations. “It was about me bucking against society telling me I shouldn’t exist, I shouldn’t wear leotards, and I shouldn’t like how I look,” she reflected, recalling her motivations during that pivotal period.
Personal Health Milestones and Weight Loss Journey
Earlier this year, Lizzo disclosed that she had achieved a significant personal health milestone, announcing a weight loss of 16% body fat and an over 10-point drop in her body mass index. Despite rampant speculation about her method, including rumors of using weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Lizzo emphatically denied these claims, maintaining that her achievements stemmed from her dedicated efforts. In a January social media post, she proudly declared, “Let this be a reminder you can do anything you put your mind to. Time for new goals!”
The 36-year-old artist has been transparent about her journey, showcasing a balanced approach to health and wellness. She shares insights into her healthy eating practices and workout routines, promoting a philosophy rooted in consistency and self-love. In an interview with The New York Times last year, she described her approach as a “natural weight-loss journey,” contrasting it with the allure of quick fixes often promoted in contemporary wellness culture.
“I’m taking the time every day to put some love into my body,” she stated, reinforcing the ideology that gradual progress is more sustainable than rapid changes. Lizzo has found fulfillment in her incremental achievements, stating, “There is never a day when I regret taking a walk or doing some Pilates. I’ve been methodical, losing weight very slowly.”
The Significance of Lizzo’s Statements
Lizzo’s reflections on the body positivity movement and her personal health journey underscore an important dialogue about body image, self-acceptance, and societal standards. Her statements not only shed light on the challenges of navigating personal health in the public eye but also criticize the potential pitfalls of reducing a complex movement to a single narrative about body size. The conversation she initiated has ramifications for how society understands and engages with body positivity today.
As Lizzo continues to embrace her evolving identity and advocate for body positivity in all its forms, her insights serve as a call to recognize the original causes behind the movement while continuing to foster inclusivity and acceptance across all body types. Through this journey, she seeks to inspire others to prioritize their health in ways that resonate with their individual experiences, emphasizing that self-love and body appreciation can coexist, regardless of external changes.
For those interested in catching up with Lizzo’s latest musical endeavors, her music can be streamed on various platforms.
