Cheryl Burke, 42, Responds to Body-Shaming Critics, Says to ‘Stop Comparing Me to When I Was 20’

In a candid new interview, Cheryl Burke has opened up about the dramatic changes in her appearance and the impact of stepping away from her career as a professional dancer. Since retiring from the highly popular TV show *Dancing with the Stars*, Burke has experienced various transformations, both physically and emotionally, which she attributes to factors such as perimenopause and the psychological challenges at play.

During her conversation with journalist Dory Jackson for the ‘Dory Jackson Interview Series,’ released on 1 July, Burke addressed the wave of criticism regarding her looks and urged detractors to stop drawing comparisons to her younger self. At 42, the former dancer has made it clear that the natural aging process, coupled with her decision to leave a demanding profession, has led to significant changes in her body.

Burke, who first found fame on *Dancing with the Stars* in 2006, pointed out the rigours of competitive dancing and the toll it took on her physique. “I was jacked; my legs were like a bodybuilder’s,” she explained. However, she acknowledged that without the constant strain of dance, her body has inevitably undergone transformation. “It’s just life,” she noted, highlighting that while she understands some critics may view the changes negatively, they are simply a part of growing older.

The attention surrounding Burke’s appearance intensified after some speculated that changes could be attributed to the use of GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic. She dismissed these rumours, instead focusing on the psychological and physical effects stemming from her decision to retire and the realities of approaching perimenopause.

Reflecting on the public scrutiny she has faced, Burke admitted that while the criticism does occasionally weigh on her, she remains resolute. “It hasn’t been too bad lately, but there’s a limit to how much I can take. People are going to say the same thing every time,” she expressed, reinforcing the toll that constant comparisons can have on an individual.

In a June essay published by *Glamour*, Burke recounted instances of body-shaming that began shortly after her debut on the hit show, stating that her form soon became fodder for tabloid headlines. “I remember turning on my TV one morning and seeing my name on the chyron: ‘Is Cheryl too fat for TV?'” she recalled, exposing the harsh realities of being thrust into the public eye at such a young age.

She also revealed distressing comments made by male co-stars during press interviews, which contributed significantly to her struggles with self-image. Despite overcoming those interactions through private discussions and forgiveness, she noted that the memories remain “shocking.”

Burke has been particularly anguished by the narrative that she was at her healthiest during her earlier years on the show. In her interview, she vehemently opposed the notion that her younger self represented an ideal state of health. “What truly frustrates me is that people look back at photos from that era and believe I appeared so much healthier,” she declared. Reflecting on her life during that period, she described it as one tainted by poor habits, such as excessive drinking and late-night eating, dismissing the idea that those moments reflected a healthier lifestyle.

“Every photo from that era — the ones where people say I looked so good — were often taken when I was hungover,” she asserted. Burke made it clear that she would not want to return to a time filled with self-loathing and unhealthy coping mechanisms, emphasizing that the pressure to uphold a specific image is profoundly mistaken.

In this age of social media and constant online feedback, Burke expressed her disbelief at how some people feel entitled to judge and define her worth based on curated pictures of her past. “It’s wild how people think they know you just because they follow your life online,” she said, urging a call for compassion and understanding around discussions of appearance and self-worth.

Cheryl Burke’s revelations serve not only as a personal narrative but also as a larger commentary on the unrealistic standards that many women face concerning their bodies, particularly in the entertainment industry. Her message champions the acceptance of change and the importance of self-love, encouraging others to embrace their evolving selves without fear of judgement.