If we are cancelling models that are too thin, should we be cancelling models that are 'too fat'?

You may have seen recent news articles about body representation in advertising, like the backlash against Snag Tights for featuring plus-size models or the banning of a Next advert for promoting an unhealthily thin body.

Some people have argued that if we ban ultra-thin models for encouraging restrictive eating disorders, then we should also ban plus-size models for promoting binge eating.

But here’s the thing - this argument is rooted in the misunderstanding of both eating disorders and the importance of body diversity.

An underweight model in an advert can contribute to unrealistic beauty standards, reinforcing the idea that extreme thinness is ideal. That’s why regulators step in when an image is deemed harmful. But Snag isn’t glorifying weight gain or disordered eating; they’re simply showing larger bodies existing - something that is still seen as controversial because of deep-rooted fatphobia.

The reality? Seeing a plus-size person in an advert doesn’t “promote binge eating” any more than seeing a thin person “promotes starvation.” What it does do is make the world more inclusive. And that’s precisely why having a diverse social media feed that includes a range of body sizes is essential for our mental and emotional well-being.

I’ve written a blog post about this, sharing why following various body types can help us feel more at home in our own skin. You can read it here.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this, and I’m always open to hearing everyone’s point of view!