We’re Living for Ilona Maher’s Epic Clap-Back Against Body-Shaming and BMI Myths
As a Latina who has always been called “la gordita de la casa,” hearing American rugby player Ilona Maher clap-back responding to fat-shaming comments on her Instagram gives me life.
The Olympic star, who helped the Team USA women’s rugby team to their first Olympic semi-finals in Paris, used her platform of more than two million followers to debunk myths about obesity and body mass index (BMI).
One comment in her post read, “I bet that person has 30% BMI.” Maher was quick to lecture her on empowerment and nutrition at the same time.
Debunking the myth of having a high BMI and obesity
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measurement in the healthcare industry. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in square meters. BMI classifies individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.
Although it is a simple and quick tool, BMI has significant limitations. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat, nor does it take into account factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and muscle mass. This leads to misclassifications for many, especially athletes and people with different body compositions.
This is precisely what Ilona Maher explained in her social media
In a reel with over 11 million views, Ilona brilliantly clapped back: “I think you were trying to roast me,” she said. “But it’s actually fact, I do have a BMI of 30. Well, 29.3.”
“I’ve been considered overweight my whole life,” the athlete said. Ilona shared a memory from high school when she turned in a physical at school that stated she was overweight. “I was so embarrassed to turn that in and have that written there,” she said. “My whole life I’ve been this way.”
However, Ilona Maher said she has consulted with a nutritionist who has allowed her to change her perspective
“I go off facts, and not just what pops up [in my mind],” she said. “We talked about BMI, and we talked about how it’s really not helpful for athletes.”
The persistence of BMI in popular discourse has contributed to body shaming and discrimination. By relying heavily on BMI, the health industry often overlooks more accurate health indicators, such as waist circumference or body fat percentage.
This can perpetuate negative stereotypes and stigmatization, especially for people classified as obese or overweight, regardless of their actual health status.
“BMI doesn’t tell you what I can do. It doesn’t tell you what I can do on the field. How fit I am. It’s just a couple of numbers put together,” she said. “It doesn’t tell you how much muscle I have, or anything like that.”
Science backs up this information
Scientific studies have shown that BMI is not a definitive indicator of obesity or health. Many people with a higher BMI are metabolically healthy, while those with a “normal” BMI may still face health risks.
“Height and weight plugged into a formula leaves out some very important determinants of health,” Jenn Baswick, the Intuitive Nutritionist, RD, MHSc, told SheKnows. “So the BMI scale shouldn’t be considered the gold standard of health status.”
The focus should be on more comprehensive health assessments that account for individual differences and promote body positivity, not on perpetuating unhealthy stereotypes.
“As the Olympics officially start today, I want you to take a look at all the different body types on display,” Ilona Maher said in a July 26 TikTok. “All body types matter. [They are all] worthy, from the smallest gymnast to the tallest volleyball player, from a rugby player to a shot-putter to a sprinter. All body types are beautiful and can do amazing things.”
And to shut up her critics once and for all, Maher said in her BMI reel, “I do have a BMI of 30. I am considered overweight. But alas, I’m going to the Olympics — and you’re not.”
