Obese Instagram Influencer

Introduction

Obesity is a global epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. Social media, particularly Instagram, has become a popular platform for influencers to promote their brand, lifestyle, and products. However, what happens when an influencer’s lifestyle promotes obesity? In this article, we’ll explore the impact of an obese Instagram influencer.

Obesity a medical condition

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that obesity is a medical condition that occurs when a person’s body mass index (BMI) exceeds 30. It is a complex condition that is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Obesity is associated with several health problems, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea, to name a few.

When an influencer is obese, it sends a message to their followers that being overweight is acceptable. It normalizes an unhealthy lifestyle and undermines efforts to tackle the obesity epidemic. This is particularly concerning when you consider that Instagram influencers often have large followings, especially among young people who are vulnerable to body image issues and eating disorders.
One example of an obese Instagram influencer is Tess Holliday. She has a following of over 2.1 million followers and is known for promoting body positivity. Tess often shares photos of herself in lingerie and swimwear, and she regularly posts about her experience with body acceptance and the discrimination she faces because of her size.

Body positivity is important

While Tess’s message of body positivity is important, her promotion of obesity is problematic. By celebrating her obesity, she sends a message to her followers that being overweight is acceptable. She often shares photos of herself eating junk food and drinking sugary beverages, which can be triggering for people with eating disorders.

Moreover, Tess’s promotion of obesity ignores the health risks associated with being overweight. As an influencer, she has a responsibility to promote healthy lifestyles that reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Instead, she promotes an unhealthy lifestyle that can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Impact on fashion industry

Another concern with obese Instagram influencers is the impact they have on the fashion industry. In recent years, there has been a movement towards promoting body diversity in fashion, which is a positive development. However, some fashion brands have started to use obese models as a way to promote inclusivity, which is not helpful.

Using obese models to promote fashion sends the message that being overweight is acceptable and promotes an unhealthy lifestyle. It also reinforces stereotypes about overweight people, such as that they are lazy and lack self-control. This can be damaging to people who are struggling with their weight and can exacerbate the stigma associated with obesity.

It’s also important to note that promoting obesity can be lucrative for influencers. There is a market for products that cater to overweight people, such as plus-size clothing, weight loss supplements, and exercise equipment. By promoting obesity, influencers can tap into this market and make money from their followers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while promoting body positivity is important, promoting obesity is not. Obese Instagram influencers have a responsibility to promote healthy lifestyles that reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They should also be mindful of the impact their message has on vulnerable young people who may be struggling with body image issues and eating disorders. The fashion industry should also be careful about using obese models to promote inclusivity, as this can reinforce negative stereotypes and promote an unhealthy lifestyle. As consumers, we should be critical of the messages that influencers and brands promote and make an effort to support those who promote healthy lifestyles and body diversity.