Nollywood Actor Eniola Badmus: I Faced Body-Shaming Both When I Was Overweight and When I Was Thin

Eniola Badmus, one of the well-known actors of Nollywood, shared her long-running weight loss journey and the challenges she faced during this process with the public. In an emotional and detailed statement on her Instagram account, she stated that she takes great pride in reducing her weight from 170 kilos five years ago to 83 kilos today. Badmus emphasized that this success was not achieved overnight; it required years of discipline, sacrifice, pain, consistency, tears, and a daily decision to prioritize her health. She described this period, which she called one of the most difficult struggles of her life, as a massive physical and emotional development. The actor stated that the determination and resolve she displayed made her a much stronger individual, both physically and mentally.

The hypocritical criticisms she faced during the process from her overweight period to her current state became the issue that upset the actor the most. Badmus expressed this situation with great disappointment, stating that she faced body-shaming both before and after losing weight. She said that the same people who criticized her when she was overweight continued to judge her based on her sagging skin or appearance after she lost weight, which deeply hurt her. She explained that losing nearly 90 kilos means the skin goes through a certain process and a re-adaptation period is completely natural, noting that she uses collagen supplements and takes good care of her health. Addressing those who try to find something new to criticize every time even before she shares a picture, the actor reminded them that her silence does not mean weakness or emotionlessness, and that she is a human being just like everyone else.

The artist also made a critique focusing on gender dynamics and women in particular, pointing out that unfortunately, a large portion of the bullying she faced came from other women. She questioned where the frequently spoken "women should support women" narrative in society disappears when another woman is striving for a healthier and happier body. Stating that bad words and destructive criticisms have serious consequences, Badmus emphasized that reaching this age and dropping from 170 kilos to 83 kilos is an achievement that should not be underestimated. She argued that instead of constantly looking for flaws in someone's body, people should focus on the strength, determination, and resilience shown to get to this point. She added that those who cannot say anything nice can at least avoid causing harm by remaining silent, and that kindness costs nothing.

Behind Eniola Badmus's massive transformation lay not only exercise and diet, but also a medical intervention. In her previous statements and interviews, she had admitted that she underwent a gastric bypass surgery in Türkiye to control her eating habits. The actor, who stated that after this surgery she breathed much easier, slept better, ate clean, and continued her life much lighter, described this situation as one of the biggest turning points in her life. Badmus, who made headlines with her glamorous new look at the AMVCA (Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards) ceremony held in 2022, was actually carrying all the unseen difficulties behind this effortless appearance. The actor, who sincerely admitted that she sometimes missed her old body because it gave her an unquestioned sense of comfort and identity, acknowledges that her current state is the right step for her own development.

The actor, who managed to preserve her self-esteem throughout this entire process by not allowing herself to be mocked or judged, is sending an inspiring message to other women like her. Stating that being fat is not actually a problem, and that the real issue stems from self-hatred and constant doubt, Badmus emphasizes that overweight women should respect themselves. She argues that just as no one should face bullying because of their weight, those who lose weight should similarly not be criticized. Demanding that her body be respected even if it is not viewed with love, Badmus states that she continues to grow, heal, and become the best version of her potential. Following all these experiences, she reminds us that, as always, she continues to stand tall as a recognized and strong figure with her identity, Eniola Badmus.