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Journalism of Courage
Actor and comedian Jamie Lever recently opened up about being body-shamed as a child and even as an adult in a candid conversation with actor and breast cancer survivor Chhavi Mittal on her podcast. Stressing that body shaming takes a toll, the 37-year-old said: “Yes, it does affect you. When I was growing up, I was constantly told that my nose was too big. One time, I was doing a photoshoot and the makeup artist said the nose had to be cut. The nose is too big. It breaks you. Because it’s like you are never going to be good enough,” Jamie said.
She also reiterated her struggles with weight, sharing that she used to be an obese kid. “I have had a weight loss journey. I have struggled with my weight. I have had PCOS. So, I am battling all these things already. I was told that big hips are an embarrassment, and have to cover them up. So, growing up, I always covered my lower body with long t-shirts or kurtis. I have always had a wardrobe like that,” the Crakk actor said.
However, despite the bitter experiences, she has started to embrace her true self. Thanking the Kardashian sisters for promoting diversity in appearances, she said: “It’s taken me a lot of years to realise that this is beautiful. I would give some credit to the Kardashians, who made the booty really famous. So after that, people are like wow, actually, curves look beautiful. Some people aspire to have a body like mine. It has taken time for me to be really comfortable in my skin,” shared Jamie.
How can one manage body image issues?
Body image issues are more common than we realise, said Dr Bhawuk Dhir, consultant dermatology, adding that they can start really early. “We are constantly exposed to unrealistic beauty standards — whether skin or appearance, weight, or facial features. An undue, unwarranted comment about one’s body, even if unintended, can leave a lasting impact on self-esteem. So, from a dermatological and wellness perspective, self-acceptance begins with understanding that beauty is not one size fits all,” Dr Dhir told indianexpress.com.
“In fact, real beauty lies in a tad bit of asymmetry. So whatever uniqueness we have in our traits and inheritance, we should always value it. Skin health, body shape and natural features vary — that’s how nature is; and that is actually what makes individuals unique. So instead of focusing on fixing perceived flaws, we should shift the conversation towards self-care, confidence and feeling good in your own skin,” said Dr Dhir.
According to him, if you struggle with body image concerns which is impacting your self-confidence and belief, you should first try to work on it on your own.
“Surround yourself with positive influences, people who uplift rather than critique. You should seek professional guidance if insecurities affect your mental well-being,” stressed Dr Dhir.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
