Naomi Osaka has opened up about her struggles with body image and weight loss after welcoming her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
The 27-year-old tennis star took to Instagram to share a carousel of images documenting her weight loss journey, accompanied by a caption that resonated with many new mothers.
“Honestly I don’t really know what to caption this post. I wanted to say “body changes throughout the year” but it actually means a lot more to me than that. There were moments this year where I felt really ashamed of my body, (for example when I had to wear form fitting tennis clothes lol),” Osaka began her post.
Osaka continued, “I was also constantly struggling with this overwhelming urge to “snapback”, seeing other mom’s seemingly shrink immediately after having their baby was an expectation I began to put on myself. That self comparison always hurt because I felt as an athlete I should be losing weight quicker than most, I was in the gym everyday so that thought didn’t feel too unrealistic.”
However, her journey has been one of growth and self-acceptance. “Most weeks would feel similar to the previous week and the weight didn’t disappear overnight so it was a bit disheartening. To get to the point I’m at now was definitely a journey, an adventure I know that I’m still embracing. All bodies are different and I appreciate mine for how it is. My body has done so much for me and adapted so well to the tasks that I’m asking from it, I’m extremely grateful and thankful.”
She concluded with a humorous touch, saying, “While typing this I realized that if I had to title this post it would be super long and go like- “thank you body for the journey over the past year, I’m excited to learn more about what you’re capable of in the years to come” haha.”
Fans flooded her comment section with messages of support, praising her honesty and calling for more representation of postpartum bodies in all shapes and stages. Many resonated with Osaka’s experience, especially the need to “bounce forward” instead of succumbing to unrealistic standards.
Osaka’s openness sheds light on a relatable struggle for many new moms, proving once again that the path to self-acceptance isn’t always straightforward but can be incredibly rewarding.
Osaka welcomed her first child, daughter Shai, with rapper Cordae to the world in July 2023. As a mother who is only a little over a year postpartum, she looks amazing!
Photo: Naomi Osaka Instagram; Bobbie Instagram