Demi Lovato Calls Out News Headline Commenting on Her 'Fuller Figure'

Singer Demi Lovato has never shied away from using her platform as an opportunity to educate others about mental health. So when the online publication Inquisitr headlined a recent story, “Demi Lovato Appears To Have A Fuller Figure After Working Up A Sweat In LA,” Lovato was ready to drop some knowledge. 

The songstress took to her Instagram story to call out these kinds of headlines, which can be damaging to people in eating disorder recovery.

In the first of a series of posts, she took a screenshot of the headline and wrote in all caps red letters, “I AM MORE THAN MY WEIGHT.”

She followed up the initial screenshot with an explanation about why calling out her body shape wasn’t OK. She wrote:

Unlike the past, I’m not triggered, I’m not upset that someone wrote a headline about my ‘fuller figure.’ I’m angry that people think it’s okay to write headlines about people’s body shapes. Especially a woman who has been so open about being in recovery from an eating disorder. I’m not upset for myself but for anyone easily influenced by the diet culture.

Commenting on weight can be especially difficult for people who have body image and disordered eating struggles already. Lovato has been candid over the years about her struggles with body image and eating disorder behaviors like bingeing and restricting. In fact, in her 2017 documentary, “Simply Complicated,” Lovato shared she hasn’t fully conquered her eating disorder.

“Food is still the biggest challenge in my life. It’s something that I’m constantly thinking about,” she said.

Lovato continued her Instagram story by addressing people who may feel triggered by the perpetuation of diet culture in headlines like these.

“Too many people today base their ideal body weight off of what OTHERS tell us we should look like or weigh. Articles like these only contribute to that toxic way of thinking,” she wrote. “If you’re reading this: Don’t listen to negative diet culture talk. You are more than a number on a scale And I am more than a headline about my body shape.”

The author of the Inquisitr article direct messaged Lovato to apologize and take “full responsibility” for the headline. Lovato posted a screenshot of the conversation to her story and thanked him for understanding.

“I thank you for your apology,” she wrote. “Unfortunately I had to use this as an example to make a statement about these types of headlines and how damaging it is not [only] for me but the readers.”

Lovato then addressed the fans who defended her in the comments.

“Okay #Lovatics, be nice now. I appreciate your support but he learned a lesson and we never respond with hate, only love,” she wrote.

After finishing up her series of Instagram posts she joked, “Now my fuller ass is going to sleep!!!”

She also left fans with a note of encouragement before heading to bed.

“Goodnight guys.. I love you so much,” she wrote. “Don’t forget to tell yourself how beautiful and worthy you are of a happy and healthy life.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you’re not alone. You can call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.

For more on Demi Lovato, eating disorders and diet culture, check out the following stories: