Content Warning: This post discusses disordered eating and body image issues.For help and support, ANAD’s eating disorder helpline is 1-888-375-7767In a time where tons of celebrities are looking slimmer than ever, it’s a relief to hear a famous person talk about embracing their natural body for all that it is.
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Speaking on the red carpet at the TIME 100 Gala last week, Hilary Duff opened up about her powerful three-word body image mantra — and it’s seriously important.
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“I obviously grew up during that time where all of us were trying to disappear and be waifs, and that’s not natural for my body, and, you know, for most of our bodies,” the mom of four said. “Especially as we endure hormonal changes, motherhood, pregnancy, and all of those amazing things that make us women, right?”
“So ‘stronger not smaller’ is a huge, impactful statement that resonates with me,” she continued. “I am strong, and I do have muscles, and I’ve always been a gymnast. I used to be embarrassed of my strength, and I just don’t need to be anymore.”
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For context, Hilary has talked openly in the past about how she felt pressure to be “skinny” as a child actor in the 2000s, and, as a result, developed a “horrifying” eating disorder at 17 years old.
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“When I was a teenager, I was pretty confident. But also mixed with the insecurities of your teenhood and your early 20s,” she said in an interview with Jay Shetty last month. “Then on top of it, I was dealing with people commenting on my body at a young age and starting to get photographed, and people asking you how many times you weigh yourself, or comparing you to people that were thinner than you or other girls in your line of work.”
“I definitely struggled for a little while there,” she added, “just trying to fit a certain mold and have control over something in my life.”
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Fortunately, Hilary was able to heal her relationship with her body, and now she’s a proud advocate for body positivity — which is exactly what we need more of right now. Hilary’s “stronger not smaller” mantra has been getting a lot of attention on Instagram in the past few days, with people branding her as a true role model for women right now.
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Over on Reddit, people are feeling just as refreshed and inspired by Hilary’s comments, particularly given the recent surge in the use of weight-loss medications. “Three or four years ago, making an explicit statement about this may not have been so apt,” one user wrote, “but with Ozempic and thinness ‘trending’ again, it’s nice to hear.”
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Hilary, keep doing what you’re doing! You can watch the interview clip here.
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