Oti Mabuse confronts body shamers while fully embracing health

Oti Mabuse, a 34-year-old professional dancer known for her work on 'Strictly Come Dancing,' opened up about the negative impact of body shaming during a conversation with fellow reality TV star Maura Higgins. The discussion took place while they were both contestants on 'I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' where Mabuse candidly shared her experiences with receiving harsh comments regarding her appearance, especially relating to weight gain. Oti revealed that while she was criticized, she was actually experiencing a positive change in her health and lifestyle. Reflecting on her past, Mabuse described how she previously dealt with unhealthy habits, including dieting and extreme weight loss practices that left her underweight and unable to maintain a regular menstrual cycle. She emphasized that recent changes in her life, like adopting a vegan diet and prioritizing her health, led her to gain weight in a healthy way; however, this transformation drew unsolicited criticism from viewers. Oti's candid remarks illuminated the contrast of public perception versus personal health standards, asserting, "Actually, this is the healthiest I've ever been," she stated, highlighting the confusion surrounding the societal views on body image. Alongside her experience, Maura Higgins also shared her struggles with body shaming, illustrating a broader issue faced by women in the public eye. The topic of body positivity and acceptance has received increased attention, but it remains essential to clarify the narrative that not all weight changes signify negative health. Mabuse's brave stand against body shaming comes in the wake of her giving birth to her first child in November 2023, which adds an additional layer to her journey. After becoming a mother, she faced online criticism regarding her appearance when she returned to TV as a judge on 'Dancing on Ice.' Many social media critics advised her to focus on motherhood rather than her career, further emphasizing the double standards often present in public conversations surrounding women’s bodies. The response from critics highlights an ongoing conversation about women's roles, societal expectations, and the pressure to conform to idealized body standards, which can lead to harmful outcomes for individuals striving to find their self-acceptance and health balance.