The Mighty Logo

Demi Lovato's 'Biggest Fear' Might Sound Familiar If You've Ever Struggled With Body Image

The most helpful emails in health
Browse our free newsletters

Demi Lovato took to Instagram to share her “biggest fear” in a candid post that may be relatable if you’ve ever struggled with your body image.

In an Instagram post featuring Lovato in a bikini in the water, the singer wrote she wanted to let people in on the “real” and “raw” her to show you can accept and appreciate your body even if you’re not 100% confident about your appearance.

“This is my biggest fear. A photo of me in a bikini unedited. And guess what, it’s CELLULIT!!!!” Lovato wrote on Instagram, adding:

I’m just literally sooooo tired of being ashamed of my body, editing it (yes the other bikini pics were edited – and I hate that I did that but it’s the truth) so that others think I’m THEIR idea of what beautiful is, but it’s just not me. This is what I got. … Just so everyone’s clear.. I’m not stoked on my appearance BUT I am appreciative of it and sometimes that’s the best I can do. I hope to inspire someone to appreciate their body today too.

View this post on Instagram

This is my biggest fear. A photo of me in a bikini unedited. And guess what, it’s CELLULIT!!!! I’m just literally sooooo tired of being ashamed of my body, editing it (yes the other bikini pics were edited – and I hate that I did that but it’s the truth) so that others think I’m THEIR idea of what beautiful is, but it’s just not me. This is what I got. I want this new chapter in my life to be about being authentic to who I am rather than trying to meet someone else’s standards. So here’s me, unashamed, unafraid and proud to own a body that has fought through so much and will continue to amaze me when I hopefully give birth one day. It’s such a great feeling to be back in tv/film while not stressing myself with a strenuous workout schedule before 14 hour days, or depriving myself from a real birthday cake rather than opting for watermelon & whip cream with candles because I was terrified of REAL cake and was miserable on some crazy diet shit. Anyway, here’s me, RAW, REAL! And I love me. And you should love you too! Now back to the studio.. I’m working on an anthem.. ????????????????????????‍♀️ also. Just so everyone’s clear.. I’m not stoked on my appearance BUT I am appreciative of it and sometimes that’s the best I can do. I hope to inspire someone to appreciate their body today too. ???? #nationalcelulliteday #celluLIT ????????????

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on

This isn’t the first time Lovato let people in on her struggles with accepting her body image. In her documentary, “Simply Complicated,” Lovato shared her ongoing struggles with an eating disorder. She previously took to social media to post candid shots discussing her journey accepting her body, including the use of the hashtag #ILoveMe.

If you also struggle with body image issues, you’re not alone. In response to Lovato’s Instagram posts, others took to social media to share their photos and messages of self-acceptance as well.

“Sorry, not sorry,” wrote Twitter user @6harli6quinn6. “But Demo Lovato has given me the courage to show off my body. I have no reason to hate my body, but I always have. That’s enough of that. Only self love from now on.”

Lovato shared working on accepting and loving her body is part of her journey toward recovery and mental wellness, encouraging her followers to find ways to love and accept their body as it is too.

“I want this new chapter in my life to be about being authentic to who I am rather than trying to meet someone else’s standards,” Lovato wrote. “So here’s me, unashamed, unafraid and proud to own a body that has fought through so much and will continue to amaze me.”

Header image via Demi Lovato’s Instagram

Originally published: September 6, 2019
Want more of The Mighty?
You can find even more stories on our Home page. There, you’ll also find thoughts and questions by our community.
Take Me Home