While some celebrities can’t wait to show off their new bodies after they drop a few pounds, Raven Symone finds the positive attention on her slimmer figure just as annoying as the negativity aimed toward her when she was heavier.
In an interview with The Huffington Post, the 26-year-old talked about her role in the Broadway version of “Sister Act,” but they also asked if she was amazed at how much press she received when she slimmed down. Here’s what she said:
“I’m not amazed. It was kind of irritating, because I didn’t really do it to get attention. I didn’t really do it on purpose. It happened, and I don’t really like talking about it that much. I believe you should be comfortable in your skin no matter what you go through — emotionally or whatever — as long as you’re healthy. It was just a lot for me. I really didn’t like it.”
Raven went on to talk about the way society penalizes you for indulging in the very foods and behaviors they encourage you to partake in.
“We’re in a society based on beauty. We have fast-food commercials followed by a [weight-loss] commercial, so I can understand the fascination. The way we function in society — it doesn’t make sense sometimes because it’s all based on how you look and then how badly you should feel after you eat the food we just advertised. And then when someone in the public eye goes up or down, it’s like a major moment.
“It’s that and the reality shows and who is dating who. I really don’t care who you’re dating. I think you should date quietly so you don’t look crazy when you go from person to person.”
Word. For that reason, Raven said you’ll never catch her on the cover of a tabloid with some guy she’s dating at the moment. She also explained what she meant when she said she didn’t lose weight on purpose.
“After my tour and ‘That’s So Raven,’ the weight came off because I stopped stressing. I’m the kind of person — I stress and gain weight. I was really stressed throughout my whole life and then I did take a break. I lost weight and I got right back into the stress race. Hopefully I’ll be taking another break again soon.”
Hopefully Raven can find a way to maintain the loss for the sake of her mental and physical health, rather than her waistline.
Do you think the media gives too much attention to celebrities who lose weight?
Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.
