Today, plus-size models like Hunter McGrady are making waves in the fashion world, showing that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. However, despite their presence, negative comments from haters about curvier women still exist. But Hunter has a powerful way of handling these remarks—she focuses on self-love, support from her family, and using her platform to spread positivity and confidence.
Meet Hunter McGrady
Hunter McGrady is an American model and a prominent advocate for body positivity. Her breakthrough came in 2017 when she made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, becoming one of the curviest models ever featured in the magazine. This was a monumental moment in her career and an important step toward challenging traditional beauty standards in fashion.
But Hunter’s impact extends far beyond modeling. She is a fierce advocate for mental health, self-love, and body diversity. Through her social media, interviews, and public appearances, she encourages people to embrace their bodies, no matter their shape or size, and to reject unrealistic societal expectations.
The Pivotal Moment in Her Life
Hunter’s modeling journey began when she was just 15 years old, a time when she faced immense pressure to maintain a size two. This led to significant personal struggles with body image. In a recent interview, Hunter reflected on this time, saying, “Once I realized that being super skinny wasn’t my path, I allowed myself to truly live and be happy.” Transitioning into plus-size modeling, she found her true calling in promoting body positivity and inclusivity.
Hunter shared her experience of weight gain, recalling, “When I first started modeling, I weighed 113 lbs. Agencies told me I needed to lose inches off my waist and hips, but it was impossible for my body to get any thinner. I see so many girls trying to meet unrealistic beauty standards. I was one of those girls! But my body wasn’t meant to be that size.”
She passionately added, “I see so many women, especially young girls, tearing their bodies apart to fit in. It’s okay to have curves—hips, boobs, and a butt! Why are we so focused on changing ourselves to be accepted?”
Her Advocacy for Body Positivity
As a successful plus-size model, Hunter has become a powerful advocate for body positivity. She gained attention for her work with brands like Sports Illustrated, and her message of inclusivity resonates with many. After becoming a mother for the first time in 2021, and now a mom of two, she often shares her journey of motherhood on social media, balancing career and family life while continuing to inspire others to embrace self-love.
The Journey Wasn’t Easy
While Hunter’s confidence and body positivity shine today, her journey wasn’t easy. The Los Angeles native revealed that the road to self-acceptance was long, but therapy played a vital role in helping her appreciate her body and what it could do, rather than succumbing to the pressure of conforming to societal beauty ideals.
“I think what Sports Illustrated is doing—celebrating all bodies—is so powerful. They’re doing the work, especially now, when we’re seeing a weird resurgence of celebrating thinness,” McGrady said.
Facing Negative Comments
Despite her success, Hunter still faces hurtful remarks. One person once said, “Yikes… No effort goes into that. Other models work hard to stay fit, and she just shows up as is and gets false praise in the name of body positivity.”
Hunter’s fans were quick to defend her, with one commenter saying, “Plenty of work goes into accepting yourself and showing up despite a society that constantly tells women they don’t belong in certain spaces. Ignore the negativity and keep loving yourself!”
Hunter’s Message to Plus-Size Women
Hunter knows that no matter what you do, there will always be critics. “No matter what, you’re going to get hate,” she said. “But you’re also going to get love. Negative comments are so boring—get something better to talk about.”
For Hunter, self-love is the foundation of confidence. “Confidence is not a straight line. It’s a climb,” she reminded her followers.
Empowering Real-Life Moments
Hunter McGrady, along with other body-positive models like Karina Irby and Iskra Lawrence, continues to promote body positivity by sharing honest, real-life moments. Their openness helps others embrace their bodies and challenges the unrealistic standards that so often dominate the media. Through their courage, they are helping create a world where everyone can feel beautiful in their own skin.
