Culture News

Lizzo Calls Out Fat-Shamers on TikTok: "I'm Not Working Out to Have Your Ideal Body Type"

The musician shared a TikTok of her workout routine, explaining that health isn't just about what you look like.

Lizzo at the 63rd Grammys

Photo by Jordan Strauss-AP-Shutterstock

In the past couple of years, Lizzo has gone from being an underground favorite into a full-blown pop star.

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CULTURE

Jillian Michaels Didn't Fat Shame Lizzo–But She Is a Hypocrite

"Why does it matter?" she said, before showing how much it clearly matters to her.

Lizzo at the 63rd Grammy Awards

Photo by Jordan Strauss (AP/Shutterstock)

Jillian Michaels has built a successful career on diet culture and fitness crazes.

The 45-year-old author, reality show personality, and celebrity personal trainer has an estimated net worth of $14 million, and some of her popular books and workout DVDs include the "30-Day Shred Diet," Slim for Life, and The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential for Ageless Strength, Health, and Beauty. Yet now she says we shouldn't focus too much on weight–particularly Lizzo's weight.

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CULTURE

Adele's Return to Instagram and the Dangers of Praising Weight Loss

Weight fluctuates, and Adele is gorgeous regardless of her size.

Adele59th Annual Grammy Awards, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA - 12 Feb 2017

Photo by Jim Smeal/Shutterstock

Adele is a hot topic on the Internet today, though not because of new music.

The "Rolling in the Deep" singer posted to her Instagram a photo of herself with a large wreath of flowers in celebration of her birthday. She used the post to praise health care workers, but they were hardly the focus of attention. Fans were quick to point out Adele's considerable weight loss. She looks stunning, but the massive reaction raised an issue with how modern society generally responds to weight loss.


There's a lot of concerning implications that can arise with complimenting someone for losing weight, whether directed at a celebrity or a member of your family. First, this reinforces the stereotype that thinner people are inherently more desirable and attractive. There's the false implication that losing weight is synonymous with good health, as well as infinite ways to become thinner dangerously: eating disorders, substance abuse, and dangerous fad diets among them. Praising someone for losing weight, however well-intended, propagates fat shame and implies that individuals are worth most at their thinnest.



Adele has spent her entire career championing plus-size (but actually average-size) women. Before eventually signing to XL, she reportedly had a strict policy for her potential record labels: Under no circumstances would she be encouraged to lose weight. But of course, that hadn't made her immune to negative comments on her body. In 2012, Karl Lagerfeld called the singer "a little too fat." "I've never wanted to look like models on the cover of magazines," Adele responded. "I represent the majority of women and I'm very proud of that."

No matter her size, Adele remains one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Let's leave weight out of the conversation.