Dr Alex George has shut down cruel body shaming trolls with a confident shirtless snap and an empowering message.
The former Love Island star, 30, took to Instagram to empower his 2million followers after feeling ’embarrassed and nervous’ to hit the gym himself.
The UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador snapped a topless mirror selfie in which he proudly owns his phsyique.
He began his caption by powerfully stating: ‘MOVEMENT IS FOR EVERY BODY 👊’
Alex continued: ‘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.’
Encouraging his followers to take pride in their bodies and to be brave, he 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 💙’
The star’s comments were flooded with support and praise, as many hailed Alex ‘an inspiration.’
One follower celebrated: ‘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 grateful social media user 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,’ wrote another.
Alex frequently uses his platform to have important conversations surrounding mental health and well-being.
Most recently he used his platform to tackle the stigma around taking medication for your health, as he encouraged Instagram users to post pictures of their pills.
The doctor shared that he too takes medication to manage his anxiety, alongside therapy and practising self-care.
He said he ‘really needed this treatment’ but didn’t access it for ‘years’ as he feared ‘what people would think.’
Determined for no other person to live in shame for taking medication, Alex wants his followers to show they are ‘proud’ to ‘take control’ of their health.
‘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.
‘The other day I did a poll on my stories and 75% of you have faced medication stigma. That is so sad,’ he wrote.
He continued his impactful post: ‘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.’
He clarified that he is not saying ‘medication is the answer for everyone,’ but that anyone who needs it ‘should have access without barriers or shame.’
The former Love Island star encouraged everyone to ‘take a stand against medication stigma’ and share their own pics with the hashtag ‘#postyourpill.’
After rising to fame in the villa, Alex returned to his job as an A&E doctor and, after suffering personal tragedy when his younger brother, Llyr George, took his own life following a mental health struggle become a mental health campaigner.
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