Start writing a post

Lizzo weight loss: What the criticism around the singer's diet is really about

Lizzo doesn't owe us an explanation for who she should or shouldn't become solely because of her weight.

Lizzo weight loss: What the criticism around the singer's diet is really about

Lizzo attends the 2019 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on November 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images

Lizzo has always been someone who embodies self-love and is unapologetically herself. Despite this, some have taken to the internet to tell her what they think she should do with her body. The recent criticism stems from her sharing a post on TikTok and Instagram about finishing a 10-day smoothie detox.


The response was almost immediate, with fans and commentators saying her choice to do a detox cleanse contradicts her overall body positivity message. Some even claim her posts could trigger those suffering from eating disorders.

There is evidence from research that shows detoxes and cleanses aren't the most effective. Even though it doesn't shock me people questioned Lizzo wanting to do something for her own personal reasons, I think it has been met with an intensity that is overly critical. Hollywood has several celebrities going on similar diets, yet when have you seen intense judgment for an influencer or celebrity endorsing weight loss teas?

Hardly ever.

READ: The year I reclaimed the word 'fat' and made peace with my body

The year I reclaimed the word 'fat' and made peace with my bodyconversations.indy100.com

Mollie Quirk examines the root cause of 'fatphobia', explains how Covid-19 helped her to reclaim her confidence

Understandably, Lizzo being an overweight Black woman in the media, while participating in a diet culture could upset her fans (especially those that are also overweight and Black). However, the tone of the backlash seemed entitled. The entitlement that people feel they deserve over Black women, especially fat Black women.

Although it is extremely empowering to see a famous Black woman loving herself truthfully, we mustn't forget that Lizzo doesn't owe us an explanation for who she should or shouldn't become, solely because of her weight. Regardless of being in the public eye, what Lizzo does with her body is her business and we should respect that.

On Tuesday, Lizzo took to her Instagram story to explain the reasoning behind diet cleanses and how it wasn't really about losing weight. "As you know, I would normally be so afraid and ashamed to post things like this online because I feel like as a big girl people just expect if you are doing something for health, you're doing it for like, a dramatic weight loss. And that is not the case," she said.

She just wanted to get her health back in check, like many of us do when we're not feeling our best—kind of like a reset. She also shared a video and photo celebrating her body while providing some words of encouragement are fans about loving their bodies for what it is. Ultimately, Lizzo's body is her own and she has the right to make choices for herself she feels will benefit her health and overall well-being.

It doesn't mean she loves herself any less.

Have you got something to say about this subject? Submit a post here and start the conversation.

Can tech help female entrepreneurs break the bias?

Women founders continue to come up against common challenges and biases - solving this problem is bigger than supporting women, it’s about supporting the national economy.

Can tech help female entrepreneurs break the bias?

Women founders continue to come up against common challenges and biases

Written by Kelly Devine, Division President UK & Ireland, Mastercard

Starting a business may have historically been perceived as a man’s game, but this couldn’t be further from reality. Research shows women are actually more likely than men to actively choose to start their own business – often motivated by the desire to be their own boss or to have a better work-life balance and spend more time with their family.

Keep reading...Show less

How am I doing as a parent?

Evaluating yourself is hard. It's even harder when attempting to assess your parenting because there's no set guide and nothing to count, measure, or quantify.

How am I doing as a parent?
Mum of two, bar manager, and lover of wine. And tequila.
https://twitter.com/Moonfacemum

Some time ago, I met my lovely friend for a drink, straight off the train from London. She told me about a very intense performance review she had at work recently, which, although scary, was incredibly useful; it gave her a general sense of how she was doing and areas to work on.

And it struck me we don't get this feedback as parents. Am I doing a good job? I have no idea.

Keep reading...Show less
#StartTheConversation by joining us on
x

Join our new platform for free and your post can reach a huge audience on Indy100 and The Independent join