Kendra Wilkinson Pushes Back Against Age-Shaming, Saying Her Health and Happiness Come First
Kendra Wilkinson says she is willing to lose male followers 'even if it takes looking old', insisting her peace of mind and wellbeing matter more than online criticism. The 41-year-old responded after a man commented on her appearance.
The former Playboy star made the remark in an Instagram Stories post on 20 October. A man she called 'some dude' had suggested she needs a makeover in the comments on a post about her children's sports.
Comments about appearance can carry real health risks. Exposure to body shaming can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, eating disorders and body dysmorphic disorder, according to University of Utah Health.
'It's so weird the fact people think I owe them that,' she said of the makeover suggestion. 'I'm happy and free.' She added that she appreciates the respect of 'the good ones'.
Choosing Peace Over Pressure
Wilkinson shares son Hank, 16, and daughter Alijah, 12, with ex-husband Hank Baskett. She often posts videos of their sporting events and described her current era as the 'greatest phase of my life'.
She listed time in the stands, cooking with her son in the mornings and smoothies with her daughter among the moments that matter most. 'I'm one lucky mama,' she wrote.
In an August Instagram post, Wilkinson said she aims for health, happiness and success, and that 'sexy is the last thing I want to be'. 'Peace is everything to me,' she wrote.
She said criticism of her body and ageing does not bother her. 'If people want to be negative, that's their energy not mine,' she wrote, adding she is fine no longer being 'Playboy skinny' or a 'bleached blonde 21 yr old'.
A Psychiatrist on Body Shaming
Kristin Francis, MD, a child and adolescent inpatient psychiatrist at the University of Utah's Huntsman Mental Health Institute, says body shaming covers comments on any physical attribute. Such comments can be very hurtful.
Seeing such remarks aimed at others on social media can be emotionally damaging, particularly for young people. Francis said rates of depression and anxiety are much higher among people who look at social media, especially appearance-based social media.
Ageing and Body Image Research
A 2022 study of 234 women in Poland found that younger women with higher body shame tended to report a less positive body image than middle-aged women with lower body shame. Researchers said body shame and age may both play a role.
The study noted that earlier research suggests women focus more on bodily health and function than appearance as they age, though results are mixed. Its authors said clearer understanding is essential for appropriate prevention and interventions.
Body image concerns do not end with age, according to the Mental Health Foundation. Its survey found around one in five adults aged 55 and older felt anxious (20%) or depressed (23%) because of body image.
The same research said older adults tend to value how their bodies function more than younger people. It added that ageism has been linked to poorer body image and psychological wellbeing among older women.
The report said menopause can affect body image, though the experience is individual. A review it cited found women with positive attitudes toward menopause had fewer negative symptoms, while negative attitudes meant more body shame.
A Healthier Way Forward
The Utah guidance advises parents to focus on the function of bodies rather than appearance. It recommends prioritising movement for enjoyment, mood management and body function rather than weight loss.
Wilkinson's aim of health and happiness sits alongside that guidance. She wrote that she forgives herself and can 'breathe in life a different way now', calling life good and herself blessed and grateful.