Katie Maloney Opens Up About The Importance Of Body Positivity After Being Fat Shamed By James Kennedy On Latest Episode Of Vanderpump Rules!

During Monday night's episode of Vanderpump Rules, James Kennedy told Katie Maloney that she needed to "lose some f---ing weight." Now, the SURver is opening up about the importance of body positivity.

"The media for a long time has been pushing the notion that there is only one “ideal” body or a standard that we all should strive for. Now I’m not offended that models are typically very thin, but whenever there’s a plus size model (which I really despise that “plus size” is ever mentioned), that she is labeled as “brave” or “different.” In the real world reality she isn’t different. She represents a broader demographic, in fact. And any time ANYONE models or puts themselves out there, I think they are brave. Not just because they are or aren’t a size 2," Katie told Bravo's The Lookbook.

"I believe it’s important to be intolerant because we all come in different shapes and sizes. Our bodies are built to change, to weather storms, to create life even! It’s preposterous to imply that because someone gains weight or isn’t ideal in the eyes of someone that they are failing or need to lose weight."

"The psychological effect body image has is severe; not being happy within your own skin, regardless of your shape or weight, can really impact the quality of your life, and when others think it’s appropriate to comment negatively on someone’s body, I lose my mind."

While negative comments don't affect her anymore, Katie reveals why it's important to stand up to these kinds of comments, despite not affecting your self-esteem anymore.

"My journey of self-discovery and self-love was a rocky road. At times it took everything I had to tune out the noise and negativity. I have always thought of myself as a confident individual. But it ate away at me like a disease. It’s impossible to not let negative comments creep into your psyche," she continued.

"Coming out on the other end of that was rewarding and a personal victory — but it doesn’t end there. I will never forget the way those comments made me feel, which is why I feel it’s my duty to stand up to it. We are human, we are not made of steel. So to say I’m not affected isn’t accurate, but the way I let it affect me is very different. I don’t want anyone to feel the way I felt, to go through life hating your reflection in the mirror, hate getting dressed every day, hate taking photos... it’s debilitating. So I’m channeling my newfound confidence into a positive energy to fight back against harsh criticism. I want everyone to know they are worthy and remind themselves of that every day. Tune out the noise, focus on what you have (and not what you don’t), and learn to love it! I think it’s always great to improve yourself for your own happiness, whatever that means to you."

She added: "It’s OK to feel what you feel. We all have bad days, we all feel uncomfortable in our bodies from time to time. But the only thing that matters — that REALLY F---ING MATTERS — is what is important to you. The opinions of others should not affect that. Sometimes we all need our ego stroked or some validation. But every day you check in with yourself and you take notice of everything you are blessed with and everything you love about your body and your life and you solely focus on those things," she told Bravo's The Lookbook. "You remind yourself of your worth, you make promises to yourself to improve in the areas that you want to improve. Take inventory of your life. Keep the things that make you happy, and get rid of the things that don’t. Embrace new interests and perspectives to continue growing mentally and spiritually. Life is really short and you shouldn’t subscribe to the bulls--t."

Source/Photo Credit: Bravo