Famous Women Speak Out Against Industry Pressure to Lose Weight
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The entertainment and fashion industries have long been criticized for their relentless and often cruel demands on women to conform to narrow beauty standards. A recent collection of testimonies from famous women reveals the emotional toll of these pressures, highlighting how even celebrated actresses and models face harsh comments and expectations about their bodies.
In a candid interview with Complex’s GOAT Talk, actress Margot Robbie recounted how early in her career a male co-star handed her a book titled Why French Women Don’t Get Fat, implicitly suggesting she needed to lose weight. Robbie recalled, “I was like, ‘Woah, fuck you, dude.'” She also resisted pressure from producers of The Legend of Tarzan to diet for her role as Jane, explaining to Australia’s TV Weekly that her character’s period and lifestyle justified a fuller figure.
Model Brooks Nader has also shared her difficult journey navigating weight expectations. In 2025, she told Bustle that her agency informed her she needed to lose 30 pounds to book jobs. While she complied using the weight-loss drug GLP-1, which helped her career take off, she later revealed the physical toll and addiction concerns associated with the medication. Her sisters staged an intervention after she was found nearly unconscious, underscoring the dangerous consequences of industry demands. Brooks admitted, “It’s a crutch for me, too. It’s not healthy. I should get off it; I’ll be honest about that.”
Actress Jordana Brewster reflected on the exhausting pressures of the “Maxim era,” when actresses were scrutinized not only for talent but also for their size. She told Retaility that for years she carried the weight of notes urging her to lose weight, a distraction from focusing on her craft. Brewster welcomed recent shifts in television, where women are increasingly portrayed in diverse ways rather than as mere sex symbols.
Similarly, Florence Pugh has resisted industry attempts to dictate her appearance. After filming Fighting With My Family, she embraced her muscular physique despite earlier being told she needed to slim down. Pugh emphasized the importance of autonomy in her roles, stating in Elle UK that she wanted to control her own body image rather than be constantly monitored by studios.
Sarah Snook revealed a stark example of market-driven transformation early in her career. She told The Times that a casting agent bluntly explained that although she was talented, she was a “nobody” and would need to be made marketable through teeth whitening, hair darkening, and weight loss via a personal trainer.
These accounts come amid a broader cultural conversation about body positivity and the harmful impact of unrealistic beauty standards. Despite progress made in the 2010s, recent years have seen a resurgence of messaging promoting weight loss, including widespread advertising of weight-loss drugs during major events such as the Super Bowl.
The National Institute of Mental Health notes that eating disorders and body image concerns remain serious public health issues, often exacerbated by societal pressures. Industry insiders and advocates are increasingly calling for systemic change to prioritize health and diversity over narrow ideals.
For those struggling with body image or eating disorders, resources are available through organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Experts emphasize the importance of mental health support alongside physical well-being.
As these women bravely share their stories, the hope is that the entertainment and fashion industries will move toward more inclusive and compassionate standards, allowing individuals to thrive without sacrificing their health or self-worth.
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