Why Does Reality TV Still Lack Body Diversity?

Why are there so few plus-size stars on reality TV?

If I had to pick one genre to watch forever, reality TV would be it. Nothing beats the juicy scandals, betrayals, and drama that make these shows so addictive—the kind of entertainment you want to watch but never live through.

Shows like “The Bachelor,” “Love Island USA,” “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” and “Real Housewives” offer the ultimate escape with their captivating, sometimes mindless content. Yet, as much as I enjoy these shows, I’m frustrated by their lack of realism. Marrying someone met on a dating app might be uncommon, but living in a plus-sized body is everyday reality for many.

Research reveals the average American woman wears between size 16 and 18, and men fall in a similar range. Still, most reality TV casts showcase slim figures—sizes 0 to 4. Even a size 6, which is not plus-sized, is rarely seen and often mislabeled as plus-sized.

Representation matters deeply, especially in media. While scripted TV and films have made some strides in body diversity, reality TV lags behind. When viewers don’t see people like themselves falling in love, thriving, or achieving success, it sends a damaging message about their worth.

Body Diversity Shortcomings in Reality TV

Reality TV spans many genres—from dating shows like “The Bachelor” and “Married at First Sight,” to competitions like “The Voice” and “Survivor,” to dramatic series. Yet, most participants are slim-bodied. Though plus-sized contestants occasionally appear, their presence is minimal and often linked to stereotypes, caricatures, or weight loss narratives seen in shows like “My 600-Lb Life” and “The Biggest Losers.”

Why Plus-Size Representation Is Crucial

Seeing oneself reflected on screen boosts self-esteem, confidence, and belonging. Licensed psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman explains, “When individuals see people who resemble them, they feel a stronger connection and sense of inclusion.”

Plus-sized fashion blogger and reality TV fan Sarah Chiwaya highlights how the scarcity of plus-size representation reinforces harmful stereotypes, suggesting only thinner bodies are worthy of love.

“This perpetuates the belief that beauty and desirability are tied to being small, which can fuel disordered eating, self-loathing, and body dysmorphia,” she says. “For someone size 16 watching a show where a size 8 is labeled the ‘fat girl’ and quickly eliminated, it can damage their self-image.”

Feelings of Otherness and Stigma

Our society is diverse in race, gender, and appearance, but TV often fails to reflect this, leaving many feeling isolated—especially in homogeneous communities. Licensed clinical social worker Hannah Owens notes that reality TV’s failure to represent larger bodies fosters a sense of ‘otherness’.

“It creates a divide: ‘These are the beautiful people; those aren’t me,’” she says. This mindset suggests only small-bodied individuals deserve admiration or desire.

This exclusion has real psychological consequences. Studies link weight stigma and body discrimination to higher risks of depression, low self-worth, and anxiety disorders.

Summary

Lack of positive, accurate representation fuels stigma and alienation, harming mental health. Dr. Goldman adds, “When people don’t see themselves on screen, they may question their value and worth, directly affecting their well-being.”

Representation Fosters Empathy and Understanding

Beyond personal impact, diverse representation educates viewers that no single body type is ‘normal’ or ‘ideal.’ Dr. Goldman explains that media shapes empathy; seeing varied body sizes helps dismantle harmful stereotypes.

Conversely, limited or negative portrayals perpetuate discrimination and exclusion against larger bodies.

Owens warns, “Constant exposure to anti-body diversity messages can lead those with larger bodies to feel unworthy or ashamed, contributing to low self-esteem and mental health struggles.”

Body Image and Eating Disorders

While watching reality TV alone doesn’t cause eating disorders, it can pressure viewers to conform to certain body standards, potentially triggering disordered eating or body dysmorphia. Owens notes that young women, a primary audience, are particularly vulnerable.

Did You Know?

Dr. Goldman points out that lack of representation can lead individuals to try to emulate celebrities’ bodies, sometimes adopting unhealthy behaviors to boost confidence.

“People may engage in extreme dieting or disordered eating to match the images they idolize,” she explains.

Positive Examples of Body Diversity in Reality TV

Though rare, some reality shows embrace body diversity authentically. Lifetime’s 2015 series “Big Women: Big Love” featured plus-sized women seeking love without focusing on weight loss, says cast member Sabrina Servance.

“It felt liberating to be myself without pretending or performing,” she shares. “The show wasn’t about losing weight, which is unusual for reality TV.”

Servance also praises “The Circle” for portraying plus-sized contestants with nuance, while Chiwaya highlights “RuPaul’s Drag Race” as one of the few shows featuring larger bodies, though contestants face unique challenges.

Other notable plus-size reality stars include Alexa Lemieux from “Love is Blind” Season 2 and Amber Riley from “Dancing With the Stars.”

How Reality TV Can Embrace More Body Diversity

The key lies in casting and production choices. Dr. Goldman believes the industry assumes audiences prefer slim bodies, limiting diversity.

Servance urges networks to update outdated casting practices. “We want visibility! Changing casting narratives won’t hurt,” she says.

Moreover, it’s vital to foster inclusive environments where larger bodies feel welcomed, not marginalized.

Dr. Rachel Goldman

“True representation requires sensitivity and respect for all body types,” Dr. Goldman emphasizes.

Too often, plus-size participants are isolated or portrayed negatively. Increasing plus-size casting is just the first step toward genuine diversity.

Final Thoughts

Representation is essential, yet reality TV still falls short in depicting body diversity positively and accurately. Negative or absent portrayals harm viewers’ mental health and self-worth.

Owens adds, “Being seen on screen can feel like the world saying, ‘We see you and value you.’ Who wouldn’t want to hear that?”

Body diversity on reality TV helps dismantle weight stigma and body shaming, showing audiences that larger bodies are deserving of love and respect.

“More diverse representation breaks down harmful stereotypes and boosts self-esteem,” Dr. Goldman explains. This shift empowers all viewers to embrace their bodies confidently.

Just as diversity in race, gender, and sexuality is vital, so too is body diversity on screen.

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1. Christel DA, Dunn SC. Average American women’s clothing size: comparing national health and nutritional examination surveys (1988–2010) to ASTM international misses & women’s plus size clothing. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education. 2017;10(2):129-136.

2. Puhl RM, Heuer CA. Obesity stigma: important considerations for public health. American Journal of Public Health. 2010;100(6):1019.

3. Hatzenbuehler ML, Keyes KM, Hasin DS. Associations between perceived weight discrimination and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the general population. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md). 2009;17(11):2033.

By Melanie Curry
Melanie Curry serves as associate editor at Verywell Mind, focusing on mental health and the intersection of wellness with marginalized identities like race and gender.

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