Pop star and actress Selena Gomez opened up about her honest feelings regarding years of weight controversy and fat-shaming that have followed her.
Gomez said in a cover story interview for fashion magazine Allure, released on the 9th (local time), "I have struggled with weight my whole life and I am very sensitive about that," adding, "I was hurt when someone called me fat. I am finding through therapy why those feelings come up."
Gomez was diagnosed with lupus in 2014 and underwent chemotherapy and a kidney transplant. She said, "When I take medication I retain water and gain weight, and when I stop it comes off again," adding, "This is so normal, yet I still get criticized for my appearance."
She added confidently, "Some days I feel not great about myself, but taking care of my health is more important. The medicine is essential to keep me going."
Her remarks against fat-shaming have drawn attention several times. At last year's Golden Globes, when criticized for her appearance she waved it off saying, "I just ate well over the holidays and gained a little weight; I don't care," and in 2022 she firmly said on TikTok, "I'm perfect. There will always be people who say things."
Gomez also said, "I'm not a model, and I won't be in the future," adding, "But the me I am now is enough."
Earlier, Gomez revealed she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and said, "Now that everything is explained, I feel like I can put the burden down." She has candidly shared her experiences battling anxiety and depression, broadening empathy with her fans.
Gomez explained she has been receiving DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) to overcome these issues. It is a counseling therapy to help people who experience emotions intensely. She said, "DBT is like peeling back layers to find the cause," adding, "Therapists sometimes give small cards you can pull out when a certain feeling arises. Those questions help you understand yourself." She added, "The important thing is that the person must have the will to try. That may not be easy."
Amid countless instances of fat-shaming and body assessments worldwide, Gomez has become an icon of self-acceptance and recovery, earning fans' support.
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