Jordyn Woods, the body inclusivity advocate and model, has spoken candidly about the current climate surrounding weight loss drugs, particularly Ozempic, during a recent interview with Bustle. In her July cover story, Woods expressed her concern that the rising popularity of this medication signifies a regression in the efforts toward size inclusivity that have made significant strides in recent years.
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At just 28 years of age, Woods has established herself not only as a vocal proponent of body positivity but also as an entrepreneur committed to offering fashion solutions for individuals of all sizes. Since launching her activewear line, SECNDNTURE, in 2018, which catered to sizes from XS to 2X, Woods has worked diligently to create an inclusive space within the fashion industry. Her efforts include a size-inclusive collection for boohoo.com released in 2019 and the FrstPlace fitness app launched in 2021.
When discussing the impact of Ozempic, a GLP-1 drug that has gained popularity in Hollywood and beyond for weight loss, Woods expressed a mix of hope and disappointment. “We were taking some steps forward, and now I think in the Ozempic era we’re taking a few steps back,” she remarked. She highlighted the prevailing societal pressure towards a thinner ideal, noting that “everyone’s skinny now,” and admitted that the drug’s trend has yet to influence her personal journey in significant ways.
Woods emphasised her belief that personal experiences will naturally lead to fluctuations in weight. “My weight’s going to fluctuate. I’m going to be skinnier sometimes. I’m human,” she stated. Her acceptance of these changes reflects a deeper understanding of body image, underlining the importance of kindness to oneself amid societal pressures.
The model’s commitment to body positivity has been woven into her life from a young age. Recently engaged to NBA Champion Karl-Anthony Towns, Woods has used her experiences to fuel her advocacy. Upon launching her fashion brand, she reflected on the personal challenges that propelled her to create an activewear line that is both affordable and high quality. She described how her own struggles with self-image and limited options in clothing as a child led her to believe that she could fill a gap in the market.
Woods’ early experiences of feeling alienated from mainstream fashion due to her body type reinforced her desire to offer more inclusive options for others. She shared that in her youth, shopping often left her feeling discouraged, which prompted her preference for wearing her father’s oversized shirts instead of finding clothes that fit her comfortably and stylishly.
As her career has evolved, Woods has grown to embrace her curves and individuality, which she celebrates as her greatest asset. “When I started modelling, I gained a lot of confidence because I had to go out of my comfort zone,” she recounted. Through her work, she has learned that her body is a unique part of her identity that deserves love and respect.
Support for Woods has come from her fiancé, who has publicly defended her against scrutiny. After she faced accusations of undergoing plastic surgery following the launch of her fitness app, Towns took to social media to challenge these claims. He expressed admiration for her hard work and transformation, stating, “Fitness saved her life!” His words highlight the significance of recognition and support in the face of damaging narratives surrounding women’s bodies.
Towns emphasised Woods’ resilience, praising her for remaining authentic in a world that often sets narrow standards for beauty. “She stayed true to YOU and never changed to fit people’s narratives and agendas,” he wrote in a passionate tribute. His commitment to championing Woods as a positive role model reflects a growing call for society to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of women’s bodies.
As debate around weight loss drugs like Ozempic continues, voices like Jordyn Woods’s are essential in advocating for a broader understanding of body positivity. Through her work and personal journey, Woods challenges the narratives that shape society’s perception of health and beauty, promoting a message of inclusiveness for all body types. As the conversation surrounding size inclusivity evolves, it is vital that advocates like Woods remain at the forefront, reminding individuals that beauty transcends size and is found in the acceptance of oneself.