Global statistics indicate that a minimum of 9% of the world’s population grapples with eating disorders. Tess Holliday, a plus-sized model, has candidly shared her battle with anorexia nervosa, a struggle that hindered her from embracing genuine freedom and happiness.
Her openness serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to prioritize mental health and seek assistance. Through her unwavering resilience and advocacy efforts, she has played a significant role in promoting broader acceptance and comprehension of this challenging issue.
A diagnosis that came with a lot of challenges
Tess Holliday, a well-known model, disclosed her diagnosis of atypical anorexia nervosa, a variant of the recognized eating disorder. This form is often observed in individuals who were once overweight and are presently focused on shedding additional weight through extreme dieting and exercise, placing considerable strain on the body despite maintaining a healthy schedule.
In May 2021, Tess Holliday courageously shared on Twitter, stating that she was in recovery from anorexia, and could now nurture a body that she had chastised her entire life, and found a sense of liberation. In her tweet, she recognized that societal pressure to adhere to unrealistic beauty standards had once made her hesitant to openly discuss her eating disorder, but she has overcome that shame.
The challenges continue but she remains resilient
Nevertheless, after her big revelation, she encountered harsh criticism and unfounded accusations of seeking attention. She remarked, “I chuckled because I recognize it’s unfounded, yet it vividly illustrates the extent of this pervasive problem.” Holliday expressed her dismay, emphasizing how this underscores the prevalent issue of society not giving due seriousness to eating disorders.
The hardships she’s had to endure
Since her diagnosis nearly a year ago, Tess Holliday has candidly discussed her battles with anorexia nervosa. Reflecting on her challenging journey of recovery, she confessed, “I haven’t eaten today. It’s 11 o’clock, I’ve had two sips of coffee, and I feel sick. This has taken a toll on both my mental and physical well-being.”
In her message, she tackled the weight stigma associated with the term “atypical” and expressed a vision for a future where such terminology becomes obsolete. Furthermore, she urged individuals facing similar struggles to seek assistance, offering information about organizations that can provide support.
Nothing is sweeter than the freedom of self-acceptance
Tess Holliday’s openness regarding her ongoing battle with anorexia nervosa underscores the crucial importance of seeking assistance and support for mental health challenges. Despite encountering negative remarks and criticism, she maintained resilience and dedication to her recovery, though the journey was hard.
“Recovery for me is messy. I remind myself that my feelings are valid. I go to therapy. Talking about it has helped.” shared Holliday. She also emphasized the need for increased awareness and support for mental health in individuals with larger bodies.
A small triumph that leads to a bigger victory
Tess Holliday’s advocacy for body positivity and diversity has achieved a notable victory for the plus-size community. In a recent announcement, retail powerhouse H&M declared its intention to broaden its size offerings, now extending up to 4XL. The leader of H&M’s inclusion and diversity department underscored the brand’s commitment to making fashion inclusive for all. Tess commended H&M for this progressive step and emphasized the ongoing necessity of conversations to drive positive transformations.
Tess Holliday sees this development as the initial phase of a transformative journey with the potential to positively influence numerous lives. While the path to size inclusivity is ongoing, the momentum behind this movement is gaining strength, largely due to the model’s incredible effort. Together, we can foster environments where individuals of all sizes experience confidence and comfort in their choices of attire.
