a day ago
I'm a plus-sized Love Island fan – the show's latest line up of skinny stars is another GUT PUNCH to us curvy girls
I'VE never been slim. In fact, I've been chubby most of my life.
Now in my late twenties, I'm a size 16, which is supposedly the average size of women in the UK.
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But if this is the average dress size in the United Kingdom, why is this not represented in television programmes we watch?
The number one prime example of a television show that has failed to represent normal bodies, and continues to lack in this department, is Love Island.
I am a massive Love Island fan, though my passion for it has dwindled over the years - but there has always been one thing about the show that has really irked me.
Sure, the red flags from the contestants get on my nerves, as do the love triangles, but it's the lack of representation of normal and bigger bodies that grates on me and concerns me the most.
Each year, the Islanders are unveiled, and each year so many of us mid-size and plus-size girls wait with bated breath that maybe, just maybe a more attainable body type might be shown.
But when the gorgeous girls are unveiled, our hopes are dashed in one fell swoop.
Incredibly glamorous with toned thighs, flat stomachs, perfectly symmetrical facial features, long flowing hair and golden tans - the girls who appear on Love Island year after year tick the boxes of all of the above.
And when the stunningly beautiful young women, usually in their early twenties, are introduced to us, we are further instilled with a beauty ideal that is unattainable for so many.
Sitting there in my size 16 leopard print pyjamas when watching the hit dating-reality show, with no makeup and a pale complexion as I watch slender, tanned, gorgeous women strut around in skimpy bikinis? Yeah, it can feel like a gut punch.
'WHY DON'T YOU LOSE WEIGHT, THEN?'
Some of you are probably thinking "go on a diet then" or "go to the gym" or "why not try Ozempic?" - but this isn't about me, or my health (which is fine, thanks for your concern), or what you think I should do...
Watch the awkward Love Island moment that 'proves' two girls are feuding, say fans
This is about media representation of body types and how thinness is superior over everything else in the world.
Being thin is admired and aspired to, being thin is what women long to be, and with this translated in reality shows, TV and the media - young children are growing up with warped perceptions of their bodies.
Children are - and have long been - striving to look like the stars they see when they switch on the telly.
So, when different body types aren't represented, they're instantly deemed as "bad" and "unattractive".
The 5 Best Body Positive Influencers To Follow
@ _nelly_london - Nelly has been on a journey with breast corrective surgery and has also shared her experience with eating disorders, her honesty and openness makes her a great follow.
@ lottiedryna - She regularly shares content on living with IBS and finds bloat-friendly outfits to share with her followers.
@ stephanieyeboah - Stephanie Yeboah's body positive content has the most incredible message - everyone is worthy of being loved, plus she has the best fashion inspo going.
@ isabelladavis6 - Bella's content spans more than just body image and is ideal for women wanting a community of women supporting women.
@ jessontheplussize - She advocates for women wearing what they want no matter their body shape.
Okay, sure, so that means obesity will lessen if everyone strives to be thin from a young age, right?
THE IMPLICATIONS - EXPLORED
Wrong. Because this is where disordered eating, body dysmorphia and a whole host of other nasties come into play.
I'm not blaming Love Island for promoting a largely unattainable beauty ideal, though, because this started way, way back in cartoons, 90s music videos and noughties chick flicks - but that's for another time.
Nor am I saying or demanding that the show signs up obese contestants immediately, but some variation of body type would be nice, right?
When women are already battling with themselves over whether or not they should wear a bikini on the beach, Love Island comes along each summer and further instils why they SHOULDN'T wear the bikini - and this needs to stop.
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When tuning into the villa of love, where are the size 12s with wider hips? What about the size 14s with small boobs and thicker thighs? Or how about the size 16s with cellulite and big bums?
IS IT REALLY A GOOD IDEA?
That all being said, and although I am a huge advocate for different body types going into the villa, do I really think it would be a good idea? Probably not.
Even the most beautiful girls who appear on the show can get trolled over their appearance, so imagine what this would be like for heavier or curvier women?
Constant yapping about how they're "too fat" or how they're "so unhealthy".
Rude messages about their "jiggling bodies" and constant questions over how "anyone" could possibly find them attractive.
Trolls are relentless, and with bigger bodies on display, I would fear that the mental health of many would be harmed.
But which is worse? Women getting trolled because they're not living up to societal expectations and beauty ideals after years of battling negative body image issues... or young girls growing up trying to reach a largely unattainable beauty ideal that could be detrimental to their mental health and wellbeing?
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