Ashley Graham calls shift in beauty standards ‘disheartening’ amid Ozempic boom

Supermodel and body positivity advocate Ashley Graham has voiced concern over the growing popularity of weight-loss drugs, saying the trend risks undoing years of progress made in promoting body acceptance.

While speaking with Marie Claire, Graham, 38, admitted she feels “disheartened” by the shift in beauty standards, particularly with the rise of medications such as Ozempic.

The model, who rose to prominence after appearing on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2016, has long been a leading voice in the body positivity movement.

Reflecting on the cultural shift, Graham described it as a reversal of the progress once made toward inclusivity.

She noted that the industry had moved toward embracing diverse body types, but now appears to be “swinging” back in the opposite direction, a change she says feels like a setback for women who had finally found representation and confidence.

Despite her concerns, Graham made it clear she has no plans to alter her message or advocacy.

Instead, she remains focused on the community she has helped build, particularly the new generation of creators and influencers who continue to promote self-acceptance across social media platforms.

She praised younger voices for embracing authenticity and encouraging others to feel comfortable in their own skin, regardless of size or perceived imperfections.

According to Graham, this diversity in body types, appearances, and perspectives is one of the most encouraging aspects of today’s digital landscape.

The model also emphasized that her work extends beyond any single group, stressing that issues of confidence affect women across all backgrounds.

She continues to advocate for inclusivity in fashion, calling for better representation and access to clothing for people of all shapes and sizes.