Why You Shouldn’t Compare Yourself to a Victoria’s Secret Model
Victoria’s Secret models are freaks of nature. Like really, really, really ridiculously good looking anomalies.
They’re not born everyday — hence the reason there are like twenty of them and seven billion of us regular folk.
There’s a reason they look they way they do and it has a lot less to do with the barre classes they do and kale shakes they drink than you would think. This is why when I see articles telling women they can get a model body if they just work out hard enough and eat a perfect diet, it makes me mad.
So today, on the morning following the 2015 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, as I sit here studying for my final in Macronutrients, I feel compelled to say a few words about body types.
We are not all meant to look the same. We were all born with different genes (alleles for my science nerds out there) that cause variations in our bodies. Height, weight, fat distribution, metabolism, and many other things are all highly pre-determined at birth.
For example, research shows that there are more than 127 genes that are associated with obesity and a defect in one of these can directly result in a person becoming overweight — meaning some people are just predisposed to gain weight more easily. Another factor is bone size. Some people really are “bigger-boned” and will always have a physically larger frame than others, no matter how much they diet and exercise.
Basically, everyone has a set point — a happy, healthy place where your body likes to be at.
Take in more calories than you need and don’t exercise, and you’ll end up above that point. It’s easy to get there with our processed foods and sedentary lifestyles, as witnessed by the 70% of overweight Americans.
However, the opposite is also true. Take in too few calories and over-exercise (which is what some of these model-body diets would encourage you to do) and you may end up thinner, but you could also end up with hormonal imbalances, impaired reproductive functioning, hair loss, reduced bone mass, and possibly long-term psychological damage.
Studies also show that underweight individuals display lower levels of the hunger-suppressing hormone leptin and higher levels of the hunger-inducing hormone ghrelin. So basically, as you get thinner, you’ll get hungrier too — awesome, right?
It’s a a total myth that women can all look the same through a “healthy diet.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not encouraging you to say “screw it,” and sit on your couch eating potato chips all day.
You totally can (and should) aim to the best you possible. But should you try to look like Adriana Lima? Not so much. Anyone who tells you differently is doing a disservice to women everywhere.
I fully support working out hard, eating well, and pushing yourself to achieve your goals — I write a health and a fitness blog after all! What I don’t support is unrealistic ideals, starvation diets, and body shaming due to uniformed ideas about what is healthy.
And while you may be more genetically-inclined to gain weight, you can still achieve your ideal body without pushing yourself too far.
The point is Victoria’s Secrets models were just born that way — tall, thin, and genetically blessed. Don’t beat yourself up for not having the drive or “willpower” to break your body down in an attempt to look like them, or anyone else for that matter. It’s just not possible for most of us (at least not without consequences).
If you don’t believe me, just check out this video interview I did with Alessandra Ambrosio a few years ago.
She told me straight up — “I got it from my mama!”
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says:
Such a very important message Whitney! It’s a fine balance between envying the thin models and living an unhealthy lifestyle contributing to the obesity problem. I really love that you made that message clear here.
Whitney English says:
Thank Megan! Appreciate the kind words :)
Shirley Arroyo says:
I watched Secrets Of Oak Island last night with my husband. No way we are watching Victoria Secret models together! LOL! At my age I am very thankful for my health and energy which come from health eating and exercise. I want to keep my focus there, not on achieving a certain body. This article was very well written! Thank you for the encouragement :-)
Whitney English says:
Thanks Shirley! You are on the right path with your attitude and goals – keep up the great work!!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says:
I didn’t watch the show, but I definitely agree with you that some people are just born lucky in the genes department. I know all of the models had to work hard to get where they are and look how they are — but not everyone needs to strive for that kind of aesthetic. Great post, Whitney! :)
Whitney English says:
Absolutely! Definitely not trying to discredit the hard work they put into getting ready for the show!
Jennifer Dene says:
Fantastic post Whitney!!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Jen! xo
Kaila@HealthyHelperBlog says:
YES to ALL OF THIS!! Absolutely nothing to add. :)
Whitney English says:
Thank you Kaila :)
Anh says:
Right on, Whitney! Thanks! Very progressive message for all women out there. Physical and mental health are key in pursuing any endeavor, including healthy dieting and exercise regimens. Well, what can we do if our genes endow us with features that are not trendy to have? Just thankfully accept them and make our own happiness, regardless of what others want us to want to look like.
Whitney English says:
Absolutely! Physical and mental health are definitely the most important in my book!
Becky says:
I love your balanced approach to health. Your passion shines through in this post!
Whitney English says:
Thank you Becky :)
Trista says:
While I appreciate and understand the overall message of this post, I want to point out that in stating that VS models are “genetically blessed” you are in a way putting them on a pedestal that still makes their physique seem much more desirable than any other body type. Maybe we are not all 5’11 and we do not all look the same in our bras and underwear, but as you said- there is a scientific reason behind that, which makes is each as individual and unique as snowflakes. Therefore, shouldn’t we all consider ourselves “genetically blessed”?
Whitney English says:
That’s a good point too Trisha. I was not trying to say that VS models are in away way “better” than anyone else. I suppose everyone has a different idea of what is aesthetically pleasing (thank goodness)!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says:
ha I did not watch this time! it is depressing sometimes but good message.
Krissy @ Pretty Wee Things says:
#truth! I love this article Whiteny! They are called Angels for a reason right! I always get a little scared seeing the “diets” that pop up after the show. Mostly because I’ve tried them many years ago and was so sick because of it.
Whitney English says:
Haha true – it’s not like they’re called “somewhat prettier than average girls” haha.
Bethann says:
Let’s not forget Victoria’s Secret has a long history of abusing photoshop making their already beautiful models have bodies you’d never find in nature.
Whitney English says:
Very true!!
Leah Watson says:
I’m so happy you wrote this! It’s so easy to fall into a trap of seeing what the “ideal” is and what media pushes as beauty. I’ve struggled a lot with it and you have inspired me to write about it. What you said about the hair loss and infertility really hit home. I definitely feel guilty about having to get intervention to have my daughter because I couldn’t bring myself to gain weight. There were too many variables to me to deal with (how much do I gain? How long will it take and will it even work at this point?). Thank you for being real and sharing your thoughts on something that we all often shrug off. And I can’t believe that guy that was so mean to you on social media. So crazy!!!
Whitney English says:
Thank you for your thoughtful response Leah. I’m so glad you found the post inspirational and I look forward to reading what you write!
Erin@BeetsPerMinute says:
I love this! As a trainer, I get so frustrated with clients that will say their goal is to “look like Kim Kardashian” or yes, a VS Angel. I don’t get frustrated with the client, but I get frustrated with the sad idea that a “personal best” isn’t something worth aiming for instead. It’s something I spent many years fighting against myself, so I know how frustrating it is. There isn’t a one-size-fits for anybody when it comes to health, fitness, weight, etc. When I do get clients who are too hung up on looking like a fashion model or actor, I sometimes will refer them to this Ted Talk by model and activist, Cameron Russell https://www.ted.com/talks/cameron_russell_looks_aren_t_everything_believe_me_i_m_a_model?language=en
She talks about the “genetic lottery” she has won and how it really isn’t something to desire nor is it the actual definition of health and beauty. I’ll be referring people to your post as well, now!
Whitney English says:
Thank you so much for sharing this video! It’s great to hear that there are fellow trainers like yourself that are helping to spread the message about individual success and fighting the notion that we can/should all look alike. Your clients are lucky to have you!!