British singer Rita Ora has candidly shared her ongoing struggles with body image, emphasising the crucial role therapy has played in helping her navigate deep-seated insecurities about her appearance. The 35-year-old pop star, known for her glamorous public persona and frequent insights into fitness routines, admitted that moments of self-doubt still surface, requiring her to consciously prioritise health over weight.
Navigating Industry Pressures
In a revealing interview with The Sun, Ora opened up about the intense pressures surrounding appearance within the music industry. She acknowledged that some might dismiss her comments due to her public image, but stressed that her internal feelings often contradict external perceptions. 'I know when people read this they’ll say: "Well, that’s easy for you to say because you look a certain way," but I don’t always feel a certain way. I think that’s something to remember,' she stated.
Therapy as a Transformative Tool
Ora credited therapy with fundamentally shifting her mindset, enabling her to detach from others' opinions. 'I’ve just stopped honestly caring about what other people think. I’ve started to do more therapy and it’s all been my process,' she explained. She extended this message of self-acceptance to her fans, advising, 'Don’t worry if you haven’t got it figured out yet. No one has.'
Reflections on Past Insecurities
The singer's recent comments follow a series of sizzling Instagram snaps where she flaunted her toned figure in black underwear, showcasing her confidence. However, Ora revealed that this self-assurance is hard-won, recalling feelings of inadequacy in her late twenties. During an appearance on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, in partnership with Dove's Self Esteem Project, she admitted, 'I felt ugly because I wasn’t as thin as other people.'
Ora elaborated on how her relationship with her body has evolved, noting that she once struggled with low stamina and frequent illness, which compounded her negative self-image. 'I didn’t feel like my body was hot,' she confessed, adding, 'And I didn’t accept the idea of okay well I’m not as thin as these other people - and so I’m ugly. And that’s really sad to think back on because I know I wasn’t.'
Embracing Self-Care and Advocacy
Now, Ora champions a focus on self-care and body functionality over aesthetics. Sharing her podcast clip on Instagram, she wrote about partnering with the Dove Self Esteem Project to promote body confidence, stating, 'I believe body confidence starts with self care focusing on what your body needs - not what it looks like.' This advocacy aligns with her personal journey towards greater mental wellbeing.
Her revelations come amidst a busy schedule, including a recent performance in Kitzbühel, Austria, where she wore an edgy green catsuit and black PVC corset, styling her hair with intricate braids. Despite her glamorous exterior, Ora’s message remains grounded in authenticity, urging others to reject unrealistic standards and embrace their unique journeys towards self-acceptance.
