Why are the plus-size champions shrinking before our very eyes?

AS a plus-size blogger it has been incredible to watch the rise of the body positive movement.

But sadly, some of my curvy icons seem to be shrinking before my very eyes.

I thought the world was becoming more accepting of ALL shapes and sizes.

Plus-size high fashion models and celebrities are finally creating a seat at the table for us, but sadly, some of those curvy icons seem to be shrinking before our very eyes.

Plus-size model of the moment Ashley Graham is noticeably smaller compared to a few years ago.

She could have succumbed to the pressure of being smaller, or perhaps her management encouraged her to drop a dress size or two.

Is she now so changed by the fame, or weighed down by the pressure to achieve the ‘ideal body’ that she’s attempting to lose the curves that made her arguably one of the most famous curvy women in the world?

Ashley has received major backlash on Instagram after posting regular fitness videos with people accusing her of betraying the sisterhood.

Why is seeing plus-size women exercise a taboo?

We are called lazy and criticised if we don't, and mocked if we do, but having a passion for fitness does not automatically mean that someone isn't happy with their body.

People exercise for different reasons, not purely for weight loss so Ashley is probably just trying to maintain a size she feels comfortable at.

I do appreciate that some might feel let down by a role model heavily changing their appearance, but the pressure on women in the public eye to change and conform can be overwhelming.

What I find most frustrating is when a respected plus-size celebrity or a model chooses to lose weight, they claim to have a new lease of life now that they’re slimmer.

It could be with a new fitness DVD or ‘before and after’ images all over their social media.

This really doesn't sit well with me as they’re essentially saying that their life wasn't OK when they were bigger - not a great message to project to a potentially all plus-size following.

I can even see why some women would feel ‘betrayed’ to see their favourite curvy role model three sizes lighter.

That person they admired for loving their bigger body - different from the ‘norm’ - celebrating their rolls, stretch marks and curves has essentially sold out and conformed.

If these women chose to change their bodies for whatever reason - that’s fine.
Your body, your life.

But it still makes it difficult to digest when there are barely enough plus-size role models as it is.

I can’t wait for the day where we regularly see body confident plus-size women in the media completely unashamed of their bodies, and proving that you CAN be happy without striving for weight loss.

I promise you there are people out there like that- just take a look at the plus-size blogging community.

It is a shame that even as adults, so many successful plus women in the media still feel the pressure to shrink, meaning one less curvy role model for the rest of us.

Previously, we revealed that M&S has launched a new Curve collection for sizes 18-22? We’ve picked the best pieces so you can stay ahead of the trend.

If you're a fan of Ashley Graham you might want to check out the pictures of her wearing a killer PVC dress - she looks incredible.

Also, you might be interested to read plus-size model Lucija Lugomer's honest post about her stretch marks - it had a BIG reaction online.