BUFFALO, N.Y. -- She “needs to work on her abs,” her “belly was hanging over her shorts,” and “distracted by the flab.” These were just a few of the words thrown in Lady Gaga's direction on Twitter after her halftime performance at Super Bowl LI.
“I wish I could say I was surprised by that reaction, but I'm not surprised,” said Dr. Tracy Welchoff, of the Buffalo Centre. “I think it’s appalling."
Welchoff says body shaming is a real issue, and social media doesn't help.
“When you see it everywhere in society you start thinking, ‘OK, I better do something to be perfect so no one makes those comments about me,’” said Welchoff.
That's where issues like poor body image, eating disorders or over-exercising can creep in. Personal trainer Bryon Sperduti says the notion of a “perfect” body needs to be thrown out the door.
“Two things I always try to work on with people is not only helping them physically, but mentally,” Sperduti said. “You have to learn to love yourself. Once you learn to love yourself, it's easier to accomplish goals.”
Sheron Mancuso, a fitness competitor, said even she has learned to accept the changes with her body during "show" and "non-show" seasons.
“Whether I'm at my leanest or what is more average, just being happy with that regardless and just being able to look at yourself and saying you're beautiful either way,” Mancuso said.
Gaga stood up against haters on Instagram this week, stating she is proud of her body -- and her fans should be proud of theirs, too.
“She's been a very big advocate for body positive, self-love, self-acceptance, treating yourself well, treating others well,” said Welchoff.
Sperduti said, “Everybody, not only the people that are body shamed but the people who are giving it, need to listen to that message. Such a great message.”
So when it comes to body image, take the words from Lady Gaga herself: “Just be you, and be relentlessly you.”