Chelsea Handler Opens Up About Her Body Image Struggles and Self-Acceptance

Chelsea Handler is getting candid about the pressures women feel.

The fifty-year-old woman candidly reflected on the challenges she faced in dealing with societal expectations about a woman’s physical appearance.

During an episode of the Jamie Kern Lima Show on March 4th, she shared that in her twenties, she would check her weight fifteen times a day. If the number on the scale was what she wanted, she wouldn’t go out that night or exercise. Instead, she would run for two hours on the beach and then weigh herself again to see how much water weight she had lost.

It was time—and missed opportunities—she wishes she could get back.

Chelsea lamented, ‘What a shame it is,’ she said, ‘I’ve squandered countless hours worrying over my body image, far too many indeed. It’s unfortunate that women everywhere are burdened by such concerns.’

She stated that we’re starting to have these discussions, but emphasized that it might take another millennium before every girl fully grasps and accepts that everyone is unique.

30 years on, the former Chelsea Lately star shares insights into her journey of embracing and adjusting to the skin she now has.

As an ardent enthusiast, I continue to prioritize my appearance when donning swimwear, yet I’ve grown more liberated in embracing the reality of cellulite, viewing it as nothing to be ashamed of. My self-care regime is meticulous, not just for aesthetic reasons, but because I yearn to embody strength and vitality. I aspire to be a force to reckon with. Weightlifting isn’t merely a pastime for me; it’s a means to acquire the power needed to ski with unparalleled prowess.

Currently, Chelsea, who has moved on in her love life and is yet to reveal her partner’s identity, finds herself two years after her split with Jo Koy, wholeheartedly immersing herself in this fresh phase of her life.

She shared with Jimmy Fallon in February, the day before her significant birthday, that she would be having many celebrations. Instead of waiting for a special occasion, she decided to make this year one big celebration about herself. After all, who else will celebrate me as I can? No one, indeed.

As a lifestyle advocate, let me express it this way: “I’m genuinely content with life. I’m flourishing in my journey. I’m blessed to not have the responsibilities of raising children or being married at this stage. Everything is moving along wonderfully for me.

However, it’s not just Chelsea who is challenging traditional body standards. For other celebrities advocating for body positivity, continue scrolling.

It seems we’ve lost sight of what a typical body looks like these days. There are many individuals, including myself, who are grappling with their own bodies, and it’s important to acknowledge that this may be a challenging journey. I’m aware that my body has changed – I see the difference in shape, I see the weight gain. However, I also look at my children, my beautiful little boy and amazing little girl, and I am filled with joy.

In February 2020, the actor from “The Wolf of Wall Street” responded to paparazzi who published pictures of him surfing online. He stated, “I believe it wasn’t until my mid-30s that I ever removed my shirt in a pool, even around family and friends. If not for the childhood insecurities fueled by years of ridicule about my body from the media, perhaps it would have happened sooner. Now, at 37, I’ve learned to love and accept myself, so the notion that the press tries to provoke me by following me while surfing and printing such images no longer bothers me.

In August 2021, he showcased a tattoo that said “Body Love”, which was a playful take on the emblem of the water sports clothing brand, Body Glove.

In 2018, the singer expressed on Instagram that despite having stretch marks and excess weight, or cellulite, she continues to embrace and love herself.

Later on, TopMob News reported that Lovato admitted, “I was scrolling through Instagram and I began comparing myself to those model posts. I realized, it’s important for my fans and anyone viewing my account to understand, what you see isn’t always truthful. To demonstrate this, I chose to accept my imperfections, which are actually just a part of who I am, and share with the world that I’m far from perfect, but it’s those flaws that make me beautiful.

In December 2020, she posted on Instagram photos showing her stretch marks outlined with glitter.

Look at me first thing in the morning – I wouldn’t give Cindy Crawford a run for her money!” Or, more playfully: “I don’t step out of bed looking like Cindy Crawford, not even close!

Growing up, I never recall any female figure in my life expressing, “I adore my body.” It wasn’t my mother, nor my older sister, nor my closest friend. No woman I knew would say, “I am incredibly proud of my body.” However, I ensure to tell my daughter Mia that I love her body because fostering a positive self-image regarding physical appearance should ideally start at an early age.

Here’s a friendly and inclusive way to phrase it:

“Just in case it helps someone out there, remember that you can wear a bikini if you want to! It doesn’t matter what size you are.

Often, people inquire about my self-assuredness, wondering where it originates. Honestly, it comes from me. At one point, I chose to see myself as beautiful, and since then, I’ve lived my life accordingly, treating myself like a radiant woman. I wear colors that appeal to me, apply makeup that makes me feel attractive, and it truly boosts my confidence. It isn’t about how others perceive you; what truly matters is your own perception. Your body should be viewed as a temple, a sanctuary – treat it with care and adorn it as you see fit.

Throughout the years, I’ve consistently expressed that I couldn’t care less about other people’s opinions regarding my physical appearance. I’ve walked red carpets in haute couture as a size 14, performed intimate scenes shortly after surgery with visible scars, and learned to accept that my body is not static but rather an evolving organism – what grows may shrink and vice versa. Regardless of my current size, I wear the same proud smile because I’m immensely proud of all that this body has experienced and accomplished.

Regardless of appearances, many of us are overly self-critical, including our self-perception in the mirror. I’ve come across articles or comments that focus on my weight and feeling compelled to conform to societal ideals of thinness. Maintaining a healthy weight has been challenging for me, particularly during stressful times and as I’ve grown older…I strive to be compassionate towards myself, and although it might seem odd, I endeavor to treat myself with the same tenderness I would extend to my own daughter. This self-care practice has proven beneficial.

To young women, I would advise not to fret too much about your weight. Many girls spend an excessive amount of time fretting over this, but there are far more important matters to focus on. For both young men and women, whatever makes you unique or unusual is actually your greatest asset. Society often tries to mold everyone into a standard shape, but it’s the individuals who stand out that tend to be noticed. I used to dislike my nose, but now I don’t mind it at all – it’s perfectly fine.

In simpler terms, when I was given the character Annalise Keating, I said, “She’s attractive and intriguing, right?” I’m usually portraying women who need to gain weight and wear aprons. So I thought, “Oh dear, I need to lose weight, learn to walk like Kerry Washington in heels, and get rid of my belly.” Then I wondered, “Why do I have to go through all this?” I’ve recently learned that the greatest luxury is being true to oneself, and at 51, I’ve finally accepted that. I believe my greatest strength is creating a world for you every Thursday night at 10 o’clock, a world where you come to visit me, as I am – my size, my color, my age. You join me there, and together we explore.

When others perceive my appearance and exclaim, ‘Wow, she’s so courageous,’ I feel compelled to correct them, saying, ‘Actually, I’m not.’ I’m simply comfortable in my own skin. I’m just myself, just confident, just attractive. If Anne Hathaway were spotted in a bikini on a billboard, no one would consider her brave. I believe there’s an unfair bias when it comes to women’s bodies…I dislike it when people assume it takes great courage for me to embrace my beauty. I also dislike it when they express surprise at my actions.

2016 saw the star responding to allegations on social media that she was serving as a role model promoting thinness, particularly among young and vulnerable teens.

She tweeted: “Does this make you laugh? I’ll provide additional information too, just for you! #youreallywannabenext”

Later she added: “Now… take a moment to gaze at your stunning body in the mirror and appreciate it! #thickgirlswinning #skinnygirlswinning #weallwinning.” (This version aims to maintain the original tone and spirit while using more accessible language for wider understanding.)

2016 found me taking a firm stance against a magazine that manipulated my image through photoshopping, voicing my disapproval on Instagram by stating, “It’s instances like these that make women question themselves and perpetuate unrealistic standards of beauty. As someone who champions authentic self-love, I decided to share the untouched photo (on the right) because I embrace who I am.

In a recent interview with New You, the star expressed her thoughts on excessive photoshopping: “I don’t believe in ugliness. It’s not a term I use. If there’s any essence of perfection, it lies in being true to yourself. No one else can be exactly like you – no one shares your unique fingerprint or DNA. You are 120% you, inside and out. Regardless of what you see on my social media or elsewhere, I want my fans to know that I face the same challenges. I strive to stay confident in who I am.

You should learn to accept yourself as you are – after all, everyone has their own appearance. Should we always strive to please others by constantly dieting? That’s simply not sensible.

I take great pride in being a multifaceted woman, who is strong, powerful, and beautiful all at once, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Emphasizing the good aspects of myself is crucial, as dwelling on negatives can be disheartening. I don’t have time for negativity; I have significant achievements to pursue, such as winning Grand Slams, and I aim to inspire others. That’s my purpose here.

I don’t own a scale because I have two young daughters, and I prefer not to show them constant weighing. I believe this doesn’t convey the right message…For me, life is about acceptance. You can stand before a mirror and find countless flaws or look in it and think, I feel good, I’m healthy, and I’m truly blessed. That’s my choice of perspective. I don’t need to be flawless; I’m content just the way I am.

Pregnancy provided me with newfound insight into my body-relationship, as it taught me that its purpose extends beyond physical aesthetics. I realized this by acknowledging my ability to carry a child and accepting the weight gain as a sign of good health. Since then, I have maintained this empowering perspective on my body.

At what point did focusing on being thin overshadow the importance of good health? For the first time in my life, I visited a naturopath. During our conversation, I confided in her about my food-related anxieties and my fixation on dieting. She posed a question that resonated deeply with me: ‘What other thoughts could you be entertaining if you weren’t preoccupied with your diet?’ Suddenly, memories of the activities I used to enjoy flooded back to me. At some juncture in my life, my infatuation with being slim took over, leaving no space for other concerns….I’ve decided to stop buying into the notion that a slimmer, happier version of myself exists just beyond all my relentless efforts. The shape and size of your body is largely influenced by genetics, and while maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise will boost your health, it won’t guarantee weight loss.

Overhearing that my physique has been discussed, I feel compelled to share: I am immensely proud of my body, and I encourage each one of you to feel the same way about yours. Regardless of who we are or what roles we play in life, we don’t need to modify ourselves or bend to others’ expectations to flourish. Embrace your unique identity wholeheartedly and unwaveringly. That’s the path to greatness.

Previously, if I had ever participated in a photoshoot wearing just a t-shirt, I would starve myself for weeks beforehand, scrutinize every picture afterwards, and typically remove the photo. However, yesterday, I chose to stand up against it, embrace my body, and stop trying to alter these features – my chest, hips, and curves – that my parents made and adore so wholeheartedly. Some might perceive this as self-absorbed or boastful, but if you understood the amount of bravery it required to do this and the body issues I experienced as a child, you wouldn’t think those things.

Gazing at my reflection without clothes, I softly say, ‘Even though my shape isn’t what I wished for, it’s not going to magically transform into something more rounded, but that’s alright. Because I have Spanx to help you out.’ Your words hold immense strength. Each day, if you remind yourself ‘I appreciate you,’ if you offer even a single word of affirmation, it can significantly alter your mindset.

2025-03-04 21:20

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