**Body Positivity Faces Challenges as Fashion Industry Shifts Back to Skinnier Models**

After a decade of advocating for inclusivity, the fashion industry appears to revert to past beauty standards amid new weight-loss trends.

In recent seasons of fashion, particularly at major events like Paris Fashion Week, there has been a notable decline in the representation of plus-size models, prompting questions about the future of the body positivity movement. Once vibrant and influential in the 2010s, this initiative—rooted in broader acceptance of diverse body types—now finds itself overshadowed by a renewed preference for thinner figures.

The rise of the body positivity movement traces back to the mid-20th century but saw significant momentum in the 2010s. Influencers and celebrities challenged conventional beauty norms, embracing curvier body types and launching brands that celebrated diversity. For instance, Rihanna's Savage x Fenty, launched in 2018, set benchmarks for inclusion on the runway, showcasing models of varying sizes and shapes in high-profile productions.

However, the evolving narrative of body inclusivity appears to be faltering as industry sources indicate a growing inclination toward traditional, slimmer aesthetics. A particularly influential factor has been the emergence of weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, which many celebrities have credited for dramatic weight reductions. As these medications proliferate, the fashion landscape has responded, with fewer plus-size models seen on catwalks and a stark drop in their representation in recent shows—only 0.8% of the 8,800 looks presented in one season were by plus-size models.

While many believe body positivity has been sidelined, some argue it was never truly integrated into the industry. Designers and casting directors openly acknowledge that their primary focus remains on commercial success rather than genuine inclusivity. For instance, casting director Shaun Beyen candidly stated that fashion shows focus on selling clothes, often undermining the diverse representation they previously committed to.

Despite backlash, there remain pockets of resistance within the industry. Designers such as Charles Jeffrey maintain that embracing body positivity is intrinsic to their brand ethos, deriving inspiration from their communities and the nightlife scene. Still, the consensus among many in the industry suggests that body positivity is indeed at risk of becoming a relic of the past, increasingly neglected amid a culture that still venerates thinness.

This shift has raised alarms among advocates and models who have experienced this regression firsthand. Enrika, a plus-size model, lamented a sense of tokenism, describing the frequent practice of showcasing a lone plus-size model amid a sea of sample-size figures. This dynamic underscores the superficial nature of inclusivity, with brands often resorting to virtue-signaling rather than committing to genuine representation.

As attention turns to the balance of consumer demand and production, some industry insiders assert that the solution lies in public education and a shift in buying habits. With changing trends, there is hope that the pendulum of fashion will one day swing back to a more inclusive environment.

The conversation surrounding body positivity and fashion is more pressing than ever as stakeholders and consumers alike grapple with the implications of shifting beauty standards—pondering whether the industry will embrace lasting change or regress to familiar patterns of exclusion.