Colombian Influencer Antonia Botero Responds to Body-Shaming After Pregnancy
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A Colombian social media personality is pushing back against online criticism following her pregnancy, openly discussing her weight gain and subsequent journey toward a healthier lifestyle. Three months after giving birth to her son, Nathanael, the influencer shared she had lost 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of the 25 kilograms (55 pounds) gained during pregnancy.
The content creator addressed the negativity head-on, posting images from the gym alongside a candid reflection on the physical changes she experienced. “I have every part of my body full of cellulitis, thick arms, but you know what? Instead of complaining, I move, I diet, I challenge myself,” she wrote, adding that she is “going for a better version” of herself.
Confronting Online Criticism
The influencer did not shy away from responding to her detractors, particularly those who made comparisons to the character Fiona from the Shrek saga. “To those who believe that calling me Fiona is an offense, remember that she has her change,” she stated, acknowledging the comparisons while asserting her own agency. She further challenged the motivations of those who engage in online negativity, questioning, “I will lose weight, but you with that heart… Although I understand how the lives of those who are happy to mess with someone’s physique can be.” In a subsequent post, she posed a provocative question: “When is the Fiona during the day again as it was before, what are they going to do to ‘hurt’ them?”
Acknowledging Postpartum Struggles
Beyond addressing the external criticism, the influencer also offered a vulnerable account of her internal struggles during and after pregnancy. In a video, she explained that she proactively purchased “comfortable” clothes that better fit her current body shape as part of her commitment to a lifestyle change, refusing to “victimize” herself. She revealed that her physical transformation was significant, gaining 25 kilograms (55 pounds) during pregnancy.
“Pregnancy for me and the postpartum period were very strong,” she shared. “I wasn’t having a good time and I hid in food, in inactivity and I found a refuge in food.” She also disclosed a resurgence of anxiety, leading to altered eating habits. “Anxiety took hold of me in a way that I had not been in many years, I started eating things that I did not eat before,” she added.
This public discussion highlights the pressures faced by many new mothers and the importance of self-acceptance and prioritizing mental and physical well-being. The influencer’s willingness to share her personal journey serves as a powerful message of resilience and self-improvement.
