Who is Isabel Oakeshott? Why Did She Call Body Positivity Movement Dangerous

Isabel Oakeshott, a British journalist criticised a plus-sized mannequin in a workout outfit. She went ahead and called the "body positivity" movement "dangerous".

The political journalist could not keep calm after seeing a curvy mannequin. 'This, in a Regent St fitness store, is what obesity looks like. Flabby curves highlighted in hideous lime green velour. The so-called “body positivity” movement is not “inclusive”, it’s dangerous,' wrote Isabel Oakeshott on Twitter. The mannequin is seen dressed in a a sports bra, green leggings and a puffer jacket.  Her post went viral and her she received severe backlash from several people.

The body positivity movement advocates said that all people have the right to feel desirable regardless of societal norms of beauty. But her terming such movement as dangerous has led to many people accusing her of fatphobia. A lot of Twitter users, mostly plus-size women have highlighted that size is falsely equated with fitness because of the misconception that thin people are automatically healthier.

Who is Isabel Oakeshott?

Oakeshott is a political journalist who has also worked for The Sunday Times. She is the co-author of a book with Michael Ashcroft on former British prime minister David Cameron titled Call Me Dave.

She was born in Westminster, London. She is separated from her husband Nigel Rosser and has three children.

Twitter Reacts

One woman wrote "Here's a British woman: Olympic Silver medalist Emily Campbell. Or is it just other women who haven't achieved her success who don't matter and should be excluded from society and fashion choices? Please, tell us more about how all women should be!"

She posted a picture of Tokyo 2020 Olympics Silver medalist Emily Campbell lifting the heavy barbell during the Olympic event.

A Twitter user even replied by introducing Isabel Oakeshott to Sophie McKinna, a British woman's shot put champion. 

Another user replied to her by saying "Here’s me an overweight woman taking part x3 Triathlons raising a million £ for Sport Relief! I look amazing, right? I was embarrassed because my wetsuit was made to measure but then I realised body-shaming is toxic. I hope you learn that lesson soon too. Please talk to someone x"

“Would you like people who are bigger than yourself to have to work out naked? Should they be shrouded in black so as not to be seen?” said actor Susan Kelechi Watson, who is also the founder of Kelechnekoff Fitness Studio.

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