Ashley Graham, the renowned supermodel and advocate for body positivity, has spoken out against the increasing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, labelling the trend a “smack in the face” to the body positivity movement. In an interview featured in Marie Claire’s annual Motherhood issue, Graham reflected on how the rise of these weight-loss drugs is impacting women, particularly in the realms of entertainment and fashion.
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The conversation surrounding GLP-1 medications has gained considerable attention, especially as many public figures share their experiences with these treatments. While these drugs are primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, they have also become synonymous with significant weight loss due to their appetite-suppressing properties. According to the National Academy of Medicine, these medications work by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates hunger, which has led to millions of Americans turning to them for weight-loss solutions.
Graham, 38, expressed her concerns regarding this shift in a culture that has started to revalue thinness, saying, “It’s really disheartening.” She compared this phenomenon to a pendulum swinging back, noting that it feels like a reversal against the significant strides that have been made towards body acceptance and positivity. “There was a pendulum that swung that was so body acceptance, positivity, everybody be who they want to be. And now it’s going back this whole opposite way that feels like a smack in the face to the women who have felt like they’ve had a voice,” she remarked.
Despite her disappointment, Graham does not believe that the rise of GLP-1 use signifies a full regression of the body positivity movement. She highlighted that throughout her career, there has been significant progress for plus-size women in the fashion industry, which she feels is often overlooked. “Why would I stop now and why would I get angry about the work I’ve done?” she questioned, emphasising her commitment to advocating for all women regardless of their body size.
Additionally, Graham is actively contributing to this dialogue through her own initiatives, having recently launched a collection with JCPenney aimed at plus-size consumers. She noted that while GLP-1s may reflect current trends, there is still a sizeable population of women who identify as plus-sized, and “This drug isn’t going to wipe out a whole statistic of women,” she asserted.
Throughout her interview, Graham acknowledged the influx of new influencers and creators in the plus-size space, celebrating the visibility that social media provides. “There’s so many [plus-size influencers and creators]… they’re all over the place with their sizes and their proportions and how they look and how they’re relatable,” she explained. This diversity and representation inspire younger generations to embrace their uniqueness and advocate for self-acceptance.
Importantly, Graham’s mission extends beyond encouraging plus-size women. She stressed that her advocacy encompasses all women, stating, “It’s incredibly important to continue to advocate for women of all shapes, all sizes and all backgrounds to have clothes that fit.” She highlighted the need for confidence, noting that it is a universal quality that does not discriminate.
Reflecting on the evolution of body image discussions, Graham previously asserted her goal of reducing the focus on bodies entirely, aiming for a future where beauty is not contingent upon size. “Talking about bodies and our sizes and what makes someone have a beautiful body is so tired at this point,” she said when launching her collection with JCPenney in 2025. Her focus remains on empowering women to feel beautiful, regardless of societal pressures or trends.
As the landscape of body image continues to transform, Graham remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering a community that embraces all women. Her thoughts on GLP-1 medications shine a light on the broader implications of such trends and their potential to overshadow the progress made in advocating for body acceptance. With continued visibility and advocacy, Graham hopes to instil confidence in women everywhere, affirming, “At the end of the day, confidence doesn’t discriminate.”