In an age where body image, mental health, and celebrity influence collide more than ever, Tess Holliday is one public figure who’s unafraid to speak the truth—even when it makes people uncomfortable.
At 34, the internationally recognized plus-size model and body positivity advocate is calling out a term that’s been hurled at her for years: “fat.” But her issue isn’t the word itself—it’s how people weaponize it.
“I’m okay with being called fat and plus-size,” Holliday told The Sunday Times. “But I’m not okay with being shamed for it—especially when it’s done in a derogatory way.”
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Words Matter — And So Does Intent
Tess Holiday. Credit / Getty Images
While social media influencers are often criticized for their content, Tess has consistently used her platform to challenge harmful beauty standards. She’s graced fashion magazine covers, walked international runways, and made space for women of all sizes to feel seen, heard, and valued.
But with visibility comes backlash.
From critics accusing her of “glorifying obesity” to online trolls body-shaming her for simply existing in her body, Tess has endured it all. Yet she remains firm:
“Words carry weight,” she explained. “How we talk about each other—and ourselves—matters.”
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Self-Love vs. Shame: The Real Conversation
Holliday’s message hits at the core of the mental health and self-love movement. She isn’t suggesting that size equals health. Instead, she’s highlighting the emotional and psychological damage that comes from constant body shaming and unrealistic beauty ideals.
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 15: Model Tess Holliday arrives to the ‘Dinner with a Cause 18th Gala’ held at the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on October 15, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images)
In her words:
“Self-love and health are not mutually exclusive. You can care for your body and love it at the same time. Shaming people into changing doesn’t work—and it never has.”
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Why Her Voice Still Matters
In a world that often views “thin” as the default for beauty and “fat” as a flaw, Tess Holliday continues to advocate for inclusivity, compassion, and understanding.
She’s not demanding applause. She’s simply asking for respect, and for people to understand that dignity doesn’t have a size.
Takeaway: We All Deserve Kindness—Online and Offline
As Tess Holliday proves, accepting your body and defending others’ right to do the same isn’t radical—it’s human. Let’s choose empathy over judgment and progress over prejudice.
