Former Welsh Love Islander Dr Alex George has been hitting back at fat-shaming trolls and said he’s not ashamed anymore.
The 30-year-old, from Carmarthen, has been urging his fans to exercise without shame and shared a topless mirror selfie.
He has called for others to do the same after admitting he felt “embarrassed and nervous” to head to a gym.
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Alex, the UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador, in a post, said: “MOVEMENT IS FOR EVERY BODY.
“Fat shaming and weight stigma can be such a barrier to exercise. Over the years I have felt embarrassed and nervous to train in the gym when I’m bigger. I AM NOT ASHAMED ANYMORE.”
He said people should be proud of their bodies and added: “Don’t forget that you deserve to be in that gym as much as anyone else.
“If people judge you for how you look that says far more about them than you.
“I know who I would rather be friends with.”
He has been praised as “an inspiration” by fans in the wake of his call.
A follower said: “Yes! The best shape you can be in is the shape you’re happiest in moving because we love our bodies not because we hate them.”
Another added: “You are such an inspiration to all of us who have a bit of a wobble and feel pressured to breathe in for every photo!!
“Thank you for being this visible.”
“You leave me breathless Alex. Stating your truth and standing in your power. Love how you are owning it,” said another.
Alex has also been working to curb the stigma around taking medication to improve your health and urged people to share pictures of pills. He has said he is on medication to control his anxiety, along with therapy and self-care.
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Alex said he took years to turn to medication as he feared “what people would think.”
“So many people live with medication stigma every day, a fear that they will be judged as being weak or discriminated against, simply for taking a pill to help with their mental health,” he said.
“The other day I did a poll on my stories and 75% of you have faced medication stigma. That is so sad.
“I can tell you now, I am not ashamed. I AM PROUD to take control of my own health. This does not make me weak or less able, it makes me stronger.”
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