Tyra Banks Loses 30 lbs... and Credibility?

   By drodriguez  Oct 05, 2008
59

As a follow-up to SheSpeak’s recent post about anorexia and other eating disorders we have news about former supermodel Tyra Banks. You may remember the press Tyra Banks received a few months ago when she was featured all over the tabloids and the internet pictured candidly at the beach in a bathing suit with captions reading that she was too fat (among other more rude comments carrying the same message).

This is nothing new. We are all accustomed to reading magazines that criticize celebrities for putting on weight. What was different about this was the way Tyra Banks responded to all the negative press about her weight.

She went on her talk show in the same bathing suit she wore in the photos and sent out the message that she feels comfortable with her body and just because she is not as thin as she was when she was modeling does not mean she is not just as beautiful. She later heroically spoke the now famous words “Kiss my fat ass!” aimed at all the people who criticize women who have put on weight.



Fast forward four months and you will see Tyra Banks on the cover of the May 12th issue of Life & Style magazine in a tiny bikini with the caption “How Tyra Lost 30 lbs!”

Why did Tyra Banks lose the weight? There has been speculation about the network pressuring her to drop pounds, though she has said it was her decision and she just wanted to fit into her old jeans. Of course Tyra Banks can do what she wants with her own body, but being a self-employed spokesperson about body image her message becomes very confusing.


So why did Tyra Banks go on to lose 30 pounds in the four months following this declaration that she was perfectly comfortable with her weight?

What kind of a message does that send out to the young women who found encouragement in her commendable message about body image just a few months ago?

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mercedes1suarez by mercedes1suarez | Sarasota, FL
Mar 07, 2009

O.K. Lets be real if most if us looked like her and she was not who she is we wouldn't be caring that she lost the 30 lbs or had her photo shot when she was not a stick! She is a strong woman and instead of talking shit about her or any one, we as women should stick together and stand up for one another what ever we look like.

erica_cal by erica_cal | Scotts Valley, CA
Feb 04, 2009

I don't know her personally ergo I don't care.

JEM4612 by JEM4612 | HOFFMAN EST, IL
Jan 18, 2009

I agree with the others who say who cares if she lost or gained weight. She is a beautiful girl who has been scrutinized for every little thing she does. None of us can relate to what she has had to go through with the press (unless you are also famous), so how in the world can we criticize? I think the real crime is how people continue to support the press who pressure people to conform.

mrsmccartney by mrsmccartney | Union, KY
Jan 18, 2009

Tyra Banks is a beautiful woman, inside and out. I think it doesn't make her lose credibility for losing weight, she's still an amazing role model, and way more real than some people on TV.

ayesha16 by ayesha16 | huntington station, NY
Jan 16, 2009

I fel bad for celerities that have to go through the bad coments that critics make about them and it is awesome that she lost 30 pounds.

Cassiesul84 by Cassiesul84 | Washburn, ME
Jan 14, 2009

I can't say anything bad about Tyra...she's made more of herself the most of us. Who cares if she gained or lost weight...she's still beautiful! Who are we to judge her anyway, it's not like she's sitting back criticizing us about our bodies! I feel bad for her because she isn't treat like a human...she's a target for our envy and insecurity! It's too bad really.

CreativeMaven by CreativeMaven | Slidell, LA
Dec 19, 2008

Shame on the press for being so focused on appearance that they have contributed to the negative images young girls have on themselves today.

jesseroze by jesseroze | mount vernon, OH
Dec 08, 2008

i dont know how many of you watch the show housewifes of new york but one of the housewives sent her plump teen on an expsive "fatfarm" excurtion that would probley take care of half the national debt and called it rehab. im 5'4" and 160 pounds and my doctor called me fat. i dont know about y'all but im so sick of all the mind warping education here in the states. we raise our children to attain a certain look that is unfair, unhealty and unreliable. my adult girls get a little plump and laugh about it. i like to think its because i raised them not to think in pounds but in health. i am a very active and healthy woman who by a governmental ideal is labled...wait for it...wait for it...OBESE (SPELLING) is this what celebrity watching has come to? oh man this is so weak and depressing.

raisinrom by raisinrom | Glen Gardner, NJ
Dec 05, 2008

I've never really felt that Tyra was genuine. I think it blows that she made such a big deal about being happy with herself and her body at her higher weight, and then lost so much weight after that, she now look anorexic. She sent a VERY bad message to young women. If she was so happy with herself, WHY did she lose so much weight ? When you have a TV show and you put yourself in the public eye and preach strong messages, such as "Kiss my fat ass", then you are opening yourself up to being judged.

m121415 by m121415 | Glasgow, KY
Nov 13, 2008

Well, after all this info, does anyone know how she lost the weight? Probably your typical, cutting out the 'bad' foods and using the "calories in vs calories out" standards. 4 months and 30 lbs, nice and slow keeps it off. However on the flip-side, did anyone notice the weight gain with Oprah yet again?

vtangelgirl by vtangelgirl | Fairfax, VT
Nov 11, 2008

I did like her response to the tabloids. I don't think anyone should judge her on her weight gain or loss. It seems like if you're in the public eye people think that your whole life has to be a symbol for a cause. Everything that happens in your life is not a statement. It can just be life. I agree that we need more every day role models for our kids, it helps them be more realistic.

Meagan0524 by Meagan0524 | Indian Head, MD
Nov 02, 2008

I think she is pretty confusing. I used to love Tyra because she made myself feel good. I'm on the "average" side (which in fashion is fat)....but when she lost the weight it was like... ok... I mean, some weight is ok, but she got down SMALL! She wasnt big though, I dont get it. Though, from what I've seen on ANTM, she's gained most of it back.

Shaunda by Shaunda | adamsville, AL
Nov 01, 2008

I think it is unfair to criticize her for losing the weight. Especially when there are so many ultra skinny actresses running around these days. Nicole richie for example. I think Tyra still looks healthy. She is not obligated to be fat, plump, or skinny. She promotes being healthy and I think she is obviously still healthy. Whatever her reasons were it is no big deal. Also, we as mothers, sisters, and aunts should make it our business to set the examples for our young girls and not rely on stars.

rporter by rporter | cave creek, AZ
Oct 30, 2008

It's her body and she can do what she wants with it! I love Tyra and think she is a great role model for girls - no matter their size or shape.

WindingWheelCO by WindingWheelCO | PARKER, CO
Oct 29, 2008

I'm a little disappointed in Tyra for doing the magazine. I thought she looked great the way she was, she looked like a healthy, curvy woman. However, if losing the weight makes her feel better about herself then more power to her. I would have rather she do a piece on her show about why and how she did it rather than getting paid for a photo shoot in a magazine with 4 or 5 bullet points that "you too can easily follow." We all know those things don't work or last long.