Jane Dipika Garrett, the first plus-size contestant to compete in Miss Universe, made history by placing in the top 20 of the 2023 pageant. Throughout her journey, Garrett faced body-shaming and online criticism, with some even calling her “disgusting” due to her size. Despite the cruelty, she remained confident, emphasizing that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. She explained that her weight gain was linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition that makes it difficult to manage weight, leading to the hurtful comments from some online users.
Garrett chose not to let these remarks affect her, instead using her platform to promote body positivity and self-love. She acknowledged the mental toll that body-shaming can have, recalling her struggles with self-esteem in her younger years when she faced eating disorders in an attempt to meet societal standards of beauty. However, she has since embraced her body and used her experience to advocate for others to love themselves and lead healthy lives, regardless of societal expectations.
