Gym babe bares natural body to show how fake and filtered reality TV is
A body positive champion has warned youngsters that what they see on shows like Love Island does not reflect real life.
Fitness coach Molly Ava is popular for posting Instagram photos taken one minute apart.
And she is calling for influencers to be more authentic online and for reality TV to be more inclusive.
READ MORE: ‘Trolls called me fat for posting real body pics – but I have tips to defy them’
That’s because Molly believes girls as young as 14 are being pressured to change their bodies to live up to what they are exposed to on screen.
(Image: Molly Ava)
Speaking with us, the 23-year-old said: “Every year Love Island say it is going to be different and they say they will have more people who look this or that way and then they have token individuals or someone who looks more like a normal human being and less like a barbie doll and that is them done for the year.
“I don’t think that’s a big enough step to make the change. You are giving them brand new clothes and all the makeup you could want and they are getting their nails done once a week and it’s not a reflection of reality.”
Molly, from Bournemouth, also called for celebs and influencers to promote more body positivity.
But she did acknowledge that there was nothing wrong with showing your best side on social media.
She said: “It’s a tricky one. Everyone has the absolute right to post their favourite photo or look through hundreds and pick one.
(Image: Molly Ava)
(Image: Molly Ava)
“But for me the line is choosing the photo and then adding filters on to everything. You are paying for 10 filter subscriptions a month and use apps to warp the way you look.
“So I do think there needs to be more authenticity, particularly with the big influencers and celebrities and reality TV stars.
“I am sure they feel pressure to look a certain way too but without sharing that side and vulnerability it puts pressure on people younger or the people who look up to them and I think they should definitely do more.
“Even if it’s baby steps to try and push your own comfort zone or share a bit of realness in your life.
“There is a lot of social pressure for people. I’ve seen comments like ‘I’m 14 and want to lose weight and I want to look like so and so’ and there is not enough protection out there to help educate.”
(Image: Molly Ava)
After graduating university with a geography degree in lockdown, Molly began posing authentic body photos of herself two years ago.
She then got her personal training qualifications – and has been working in fitness ever since.
Asked whether she believes big companies will become more body realistic in the future, she was unconvinced.
“I hope so I really do but I also think in the grand scheme of things people make a hell of a lot of money looking a certain way or promoting certain products or selling someone their ab workout,” she said.
“I would love to say yes and I do see glimpses of it but then I see the complete opposite side of people selling you tea that is going to make you lose a stone in a month.”
Love Island has been contacted for claims made in this story.
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