Cosmopolitan UK’s Body Positive Magazine Covers Amass Mixed Responses Online
Image via Cosmopolitan UK
Cosmopolitan UK magazine has raised questions about possibly “glamorizing” obesity after featuring plus-size models on its February cover.
The issue is dedicated to body positivity and stars plus-size women with the tagline, “This is healthy.” The personalities include track-and-field athlete Morgan Lake, fitness influencer Sophie Butler, and plus-size blogger Callie Thorpe.
The magazine also unveiled nine other covers for the issue, and other models include yoga teacher Jessamyn Stanley and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds. “These 11 incredible women with very different bodies are proving wellness isn’t one-size-fits all,” Cosmopolitan UK wrote.
However, the covers have received mixed responses from readers, with some praising the magazine for its portrayal of health while others claimed it sent out a dangerous message to the public.
“Weird time for @Cosmopolitan to do this cover given the relationship between obesity and death/serious illness from COVID,” a Twitter user voiced out. Good Morning Britain’s host Piers Morgan also slammed the cover, stating, “No, it’s not. And given that obesity is a major factor in why many get severe covid illness, this @CosmopolitanUK cover is shamefully irresponsible.”
Others defended the cover, with one saying, “We need more visibility of people of all sizes, so people feel less shame and stigma.”
“I think it’s great that a magazine like this is trying to change the stereotype of what women see as healthy. I spent all of my childhood feeling ashamed that I was bigger than everyone else, and there was no one my size on TV, and yet everytime I went to the GP I was healthy,” another user explained.
Despite the criticism, Cosmopoiltan UK said the response to the body-positive covers has been “overwhelmingly positive.”
“Cosmopolitan UK is all about uplifting our audience and promoting diversity, belonging and positivity,” it said. “Our aim is to make sure that no one feels excluded from the wellness space and we hope this issue will help inspire our readers, whatever stage of their fitness journey, feel empowered to make their mental and physical health a priority during this time.”
Health isn’t one-dimensional, and demonstrating this through a high-profile platform could empower readers to take control of their wellbeing no matter their appearance or lifestyle.
No, it’s not. And given that obesity is a major factor in why many get severe covid illness, this @CosmopolitanUK cover is shamefully irresponsible. pic.twitter.com/MHcJ237WEZ
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 6, 2021
Weird time for @Cosmopolitan to do this cover given the relationship between obesity and death/serious illness from Covid. pic.twitter.com/7HYAktuVeh
— Rita Panahi (@RitaPanahi) January 4, 2021
Omg LOOOOL at you trying to use your “overweight” friend as fodder in your argument and then they tell you not to. Please don’t speak for other people and their bodies.
— Anti Diet Riot Club (@antidietriot) January 12, 2021
We need more visibility of people of all sizes, so people feel less shame & stigma (which IS VERY bad for you)
I think it’s great that a magazine like this is trying to change the stereotype of what women see as healthy. I spent all of my childhood feeling ashamed that I was bigger than everyone else, and there was no one my size on tv, and yet every time I went to the GP I was healthy.
— Kirsten (@KirstenM01) January 12, 2021
[via Independent, cover image via Cosmopolitan UK]
