Selena Gomez Opens Up About Weight Struggles and Body Shaming: 'I'm Seeking Treatment'
Pop superstar and actress Selena Gomez has candidly shared her struggles with weight fluctuations and body shaming that have plagued her for years.
In a cover story interview with fashion magazine Allure, released on the 9th (local time), Gomez confessed, "I've struggled with my weight my whole life, and I'm very sensitive about that. I've been hurt when people have called me fat. I'm seeking treatment to understand why I feel this way."
Gomez, who was diagnosed with lupus in 2014 and underwent chemotherapy and a kidney transplant, explained, "When I take my medication, I retain water, which causes weight gain, and it goes down when I stop. This is very normal, yet I still face comments about my appearance." She defiantly added, "Some days I don't feel like myself, but my health is more important. The medication is essential to keeping me alive."
Her stance against body shaming has garnered attention multiple times. At last year's Golden Globes, she brushed off comments about her appearance by saying, "I just gained weight over the holidays. I don't care." In 2022, she firmly stated on TikTok, "I'm perfect. People will always have something to say."
Gomez also declared, "I'm not a model, and I never will be. But I am enough as I am," sending a powerful message of self-acceptance.
Previously, Gomez revealed her bipolar disorder diagnosis, stating it felt like "a relief to finally understand why I've been feeling this way." She has consistently shared her experiences battling anxiety and depression, building a strong connection with her fans.
She further explained her journey through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a form of counseling designed to help individuals who experience emotions intensely. "DBT is like peeling back layers to find the root cause," she said. "Therapists give me little cards to pull out when I'm feeling a certain emotion. These questions help me understand myself." She added, "The important thing is that you have the willingness to work on yourself, which can be difficult."
Amidst global scrutiny over body image and weight, Gomez is emerging as an icon of self-acceptance and resilience, earning the unwavering support of her fans.
Selena Gomez first rose to prominence as an actress, starring in the Disney Channel series 'Wizards of Waverly Place' starting in 2008.
In 2009, she launched her music career with the band Selena Gomez & The Scene, releasing several hit songs.
Beyond her entertainment career, she is also a dedicated UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, actively participating in various humanitarian efforts.