This article contains discussion of themes including eating disorders that some readers may wish to avoid.
Celebrity Juice's Fearne Cotton has hit back at trolls who body-shamed her following a post on Instagram.
Yesterday (January 29), after posting a picture to her Instagram, in which Fearne can be seen wearing a pinafore style dress, paired with some chunky boots and a long-sleeved top, the TV presenter was hit with a barrage of hateful comments about her body.
After seeing the comments, Fearne took to Instagram once more to air her thoughts and hit back at trolls writing: "When it comes to judging bodies I feel something has to be said.
Related: Fearne Cotton shares why she can no longer present live radio shows
"Online arguments or discussions around what bodies look like (see my last post) are not helpful," she added.
Responding to the negativity that she received on the post for having a slim frame, Fearne said that this sort of attention is rarely afforded to men.
"If we are judging other peoples bodies or making accusations we are driving a narrative that women have to look a certain way to be accepted. This sort of attention is not cast upon men, ever.
"Due to having been bulimic in my twenties I am extra sensitive to these sorts of discussions as I have worked hard to heal, recover and get to a place where I love food, eat for energy and pleasure, exercise to give my strength now I'm in my forties and feel so grateful for my health."
Related: Fearne Cotton reveals why she quit Celebrity Juice after 10 years
Using one more post to highlight how body-shaming impacts women, Fearne posted a video where she said that male broadcasters would never face the same scrutiny.
"I want to fight this fight for all women because our bodies are still overly scrutinised and judged," she said.
"I don't see anyone commenting on the shape or size of Louis Theroux's legs because they're too busy listening to what he's got to say." She did reiterate that this was not specifically directed at Louis, just that he was the first example of a male journalist she could think of during her passionate speech.
Beat (www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk) is a charity which raises awareness and understanding of eating disorders, and supports those affected by them. Beat now has a one-to-one secure messaging service. Its phone helpline for those aged 18 and over is 0808 801 0677, and there's also a dedicated Youthline for those under 18 – 0808 801 0711.
