Ashley Graham has branded the weight loss medication movement a 'slap in the face' to women who have fought for body acceptance. The 38-year-old model, who made history as the first plus-sized model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, expressed her dismay in a recent interview, stating that the trend of using drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro for weight loss is reversing progress made in body positivity.
Graham's Criticism of Weight Loss Medications
In recent years, many individuals have turned to medications such as Ozempic—licensed only for diabetes—and Wegovy and Mounjaro, which are approved for weight loss in the UK. However, Graham feels this shift is negatively impacting the modeling industry. Speaking to Marie Claire, the Lincoln, Nebraska native said: 'It's really disheartening. 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.'
Body Positivity Progress
Despite her concerns, Graham acknowledged that there has been 'more movement for plus-size women than some people give the whole industry credit for.' She added: 'It goes with the times—and GLP-1s are a time…I know that there are, and there's gonna still be women who are considered plus size forever. This drug isn't going to wipe out a whole statistic of women.' She also noted the positive influence of social media influencers and content creators of all sizes, who encourage younger generations to embrace themselves, cellulite and all.
Graham's Advocacy and Met Gala Appearance
Graham emphasized her commitment to advocating for 'women of all shapes, all sizes, and all backgrounds,' which is why she launched her collaboration with JCPenney, now in its third collection. She is actively involved in the collection's design and market expansion. Tonight, Graham will appear at the prestigious Met Gala in New York, hosted by Vogue. The event's theme, Costume Art, aligns with the museum's latest exhibition featuring 400 outfits and objects spanning 5,000 years. Dame Anna Wintour has enforced a strict 'no phone policy' inside the venue, but Graham will co-host the red carpet livestream alongside La La Anthony and Cara Delevingne, starting at 6 p.m., with Emma Chamberlain interviewing guests.
