Sam Smith has opened up about the painful experiences of childhood bullying and their fight with body image issues on the recent episode of the “Podcrushed” podcast, hosted by Penn Badgley and his co-hosts. The artist shared that at the age of 13, after enduring relentless teasing about their weight, they underwent liposuction on their chest. Smith recounted their struggles while attending a Catholic school, revealing that while their queerness was something they could manage, dealing with weight-related bullying was far more challenging.
Smith highlighted the crucial support from their parents during that tough time, stating that they recognized how bullying was negatively impacting their child’s well-being. The emotional and social repercussions of being teased were profound, making activities like swimming and locker room changes nearly unbearable for the young artist.
The experience of recovery from the surgery, however, was less than ideal. Smith humorously recounted that they extended the use of their surgical bandage for an entire year, rather than the prescribed month. This was partly to shield themselves from scrutiny and to navigate lunch lines with a bit more ease as peers were asked to be considerate of their situation. Despite this surgical intervention, Smith confessed that their love for food ultimately rendered the outcome less effective.
Smith’s journey with weight has been ongoing. In 2015, they disclosed a significant weight loss of 50 pounds and explained that it signified a transformative change in their relationship with food. However, their quest for body acceptance had its challenges, as they later acknowledged in a 2018 interview where they confessed to becoming obsessive about appearances and engaging in constant body checks.
Today, the 33-year-old singer expresses a newfound love for their body, celebrating imperfections like stretch marks and finding joy in self-acceptance. This candid look into their past sheds light on the broader issues of childhood bullying, mental health, and the ongoing journey toward body positivity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of support systems and self-love in overcoming adversity. Smith’s story holds a hopeful message for anyone grappling with similar challenges, emphasizing that it is possible to find peace and acceptance within oneself.