Lana Condor on Living with Body Dysmorphia | Body Stories | SELF

Our February cover star Lana Condor (To All The Boys: Always and Forever) shares her ongoing journey with self-love and acceptance. She also opens up about her struggles with body image and finding healthier ways to exercise with her partner Anthony. "If you open up, chances are someone can relate to you and give you advice and tell you all the reasons you are incredibly beautiful..."
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Lana Condor on Living with Body Dysmorphia | Body Stories | SELF

[@blkbarbie2671]

Lana’s outer beauty reflects her inner beauty, and that is a huge compliment for someone as utterly stunning as she is

[@lilyzia]

how is there 1.1k likes and no replies

[@jodyf2104]

@@lilyzia cos its mental health people are embarassed to talk about it ❤ and feel that it is a weakness ❤ ..if anything, its a Strength ❤ x

[@bumblebee_0112]

Yesss!

[@Shreddhaa]

Having role models like Lana who are honest and vulnerable with us is so comforting ❤️

[@courtniedaley5543]

Hey you look like Camila Mendes! 😀

[@apu_lukaa]

She's ugly af

[@yvy0405]

@@apu_lukaa Ella está luchando contra esos comentarios... Y tú no la ayudas en nada. Eres una mala persona

[@belle3055]

@@apu_lukaa shut up mean

[@kzmoore7253]

Athena Athens dude go in outside or in you backyard and touch some grass it seems like you invested too much time hating on someone

[@thunderstorm2771]

When people talk about body dysmorphia, they rarely mention hating one's face. Which is so much more terrifying and destructive than hating any other part of your body. Your face is your identity. You can't hide it. It's you. Hating it ruins one's life.

[@beccymiddleton1458]

This is so true.

[@isabellakim5940]

When I tell people I have BDD they always say “aww why?? Ur not fat!” Is my face not part of my body like- 😔

[@bommie21]

I hate my face with all my heart

[@yourbaeniaclay]

@@bommie21 hate is such a strong word. do you really hate your face or do you believe no one else likes your face? i'm sure your face is gorgeous. please don't hate it

[@bommie21]

@@yourbaeniaclay I really don't like my face, years ago I went on a strict diet and lost a lot of weight, I was so thin but not exaggerated, but people continued to look at me strange and I have often heard whispers saying that I am ugly, that's when I realized that my problem was my face. Now i gained weight and i'm fat but i don't hate my body, it's not pretty of course, but i don't hate it as much as i don't like my face, if my face was more beautiful, i would certainly live happier. I don't know if you can understand it, but this is my dilemma. Sorry for my bad english, it is not my mother language

[@KatiKosta]

I have huge body dysmorphia with my face. I hate looking at my face in the mirror and pictures. In fact, I try to avoid pictures as much as possible, which saddens me, because when I am old, I will not have any photographic memories or pictures to show people of myself at my youth.

[@daisyacevedo3807]

Omg this is me. I don’t have any pictures of my boyfriend and I because I don’t like looking at my face:( and when people ask if I have pictures of us I say no and they just look at me like I’m weird

[@merouamerazga2781]

I feel you i hate taking pictures too cause i think i look ugly and everytime we go on trips with family or friends i always avoid takin pics which saddens me a lot :(

[@oomay1925]

Ya I always think about how when i die there won't be many photos of my for people to remember me by and it's kinda sad but I just feel so self conscious about how I look :(

[@PetraGreene]

I feel you so much 😭 People dont get why I hate taking pictures.

[@soti_ereks08]

@@PetraGreene I feel the same honestly

[@Jennifer-ej5de]

“Treat yourself like your best friend” is one of the best advices I’ve ever hear.

[@akosibail]

I relate with what she said about becoming more outspoken during the pandemic. I screamed at a guy last week who was a bully on the road and splashed a little old man head to toe in water by blasting through a huge puddle. I’m 100% done with people

[@abigailkusi8074]

I don’t think that’s what she meant by being outspoken😆but I agree with the people part

[@illuminatedwithin1126]

I really learned how to draw boundaries on the spot during the pandemic.

[@kathydelarosa1286]

Yes . I LOVE IT lml

[@lesbiangoddess290]

Ok but same. Some people really just be getting on my nerves

[@jaky411]

Good on you for doing what you did but also very brave because that guy could have potentially hurt you.

[@naomimila9257]

she's so likable. i want to be her friend.

[@paperclover]

As soon as I read the title my jaw dropped. I have severe body dysmorphia, mostly surrounding my face. I survived five years of 24/7 suicidal ideation and self-harm attempts and I cannot say how much little things like this matter. Thank you, Lana.

[@romidesco]

are you doing better now?

[@paperclover]

@@romidesco I actually got a proper diagnosis for it and it was OCD. I think im doing the best I have been since childhood with it

[@blackbirdflyyx]

She’s so self-aware and you can tell it’s because she works so hard to better herself. But I also cannot stop staring at her beautiful glowy complexion wow

[@selenadanson8849]

I always wonder how people act and show their bodies with body dysmorphia? That's such a high level of confidence. I can't even look in the mirror at myself sometimes, nevermind showing my body to million of views around the world. I find it amazing and I'm in awe.

[@NaniRPDL]

I agree. I can barely stand myself in pictures I would never let myself be filmed lmao my face is not symmetric at all i literally look weird when i talk people have told me so so yeah there's that

[@mistybrehmer9551]

Mine is usually...okay...unless I see myself in a mirror or a picture. Like somehow able to fool myself and then seeing myself reflected or shown in images confirms how horrible I feel about how I look

[@nini-qc1qd]

a lot of people skip watching it altogether. Megan Fox has BDD and she said she rarely watches her own films

[@jokesonyou222]

IM LITERALLY WATCHING “To the Boys i’ve loved before 3 ” right noww and this popped up in my recommended !

[@jasminemackenzie3451]

Unfortunately I completely understand that feeling even realising how introverted I actually am recently

[@madisonandersen5387]

Someone with a big platform like her helps so much I have body dismorphia pretty bad and this helped so much I am in tears I’m very grateful for the people who speak up on topics like these

[@tanaymrangel9671]

“you have to treat yourself like your best friend” “talk to yourself gently and nicely” *remembers i would call my self stupid, idiot and saying to myself that i should die* 👀👀🤭🙈

[@pearlie_ette]

Same 😆

[@taiyabazaheer9492]

To anyone with Body Dysmorphia, I too have it and quite severe. Yet, I've started to *think less* about my looks and more about how I can enjoy and make my life better. I will still over-exercise and visit various clinics to help erase my imperfections. However, I try to not think about it too much and rather focus on other things in life like career, vacations and hobbies. Eventually we all have to wither away. We're here for a good time not a long time.

[@boogerlui]

I feel for her. She’s not fat per se, but her face is just naturally plumper and round. It must have caused a lot of self image issues. I have a round face too, and no matter how much I starve my body or workout, my face will still look plump while my body looks thin. It sucks but other than surgery, there’s not much you can do about it

[@xoxsabrina]

I feel you it honestly sucks cuz you think ur not pretty enough atleast that’s how I feel🤷🏻‍♀️

[@annam2352]

Girl don’t worry you’re gonna appreciate it so much when you age because the roundness will keep your skin looking youthful for longer, it’s a gift

[@celinecatocarolien6331]

I think there is nothing I could write to convince you that 1) a round face is beautiful and 2) your appearance doesn't define how fulfilling your life is. I struggled for years with anorexia while still having a very round face. I wish you all the luck with getting towards a healthy mindset. May God help you.

[@greenlit552]

You all! I wish I had a round face, it looks so cute!!!!

[@lolno6665]

Fr I've got a round face and even if u workout alot ur face is still the same

[@miranda57]

So vulnerable and so genuine. I’m happy for her for spreading awareness through her experiences. Nothing but love for Lana 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@audreyhamilton5765]

its so refreshing hearing a celebrity talk about mental health and something as common and prevalent as body dysmorphia. i love her so much i can't wait to see her in future films and projects

[@小天使-y1c]

I needed this video, especially this week

[@blkbarbie2671]

Is that you in your profile pic? Omg

[@小天使-y1c]

@@blkbarbie2671 please this comment made my week, thank you (literally crying dbdbdb I’m sorry)

[@JoEe-uy2zf]

Huge respect to Lana for speaking about this and being so brave and open. Love her so much!!

[@K-PopVibes1]

This so inspiring...Lana Condor is such a beautiful human being!

[@aryabharath2516]

Shes soo beautiful and amazing....this was such a vulnerable video that really shows how much of an inspiring person she is❤

[@juliasuico]

You’re not alone girl! Thank you for your vulnerability and allowing yourself to be so genuine 🤍

[@ela748]

She's so inspiring, I love her

[@sunset33533]

Practicing mindfulness has helped. The mindfulness book "30 Days to Stop Obsessing" by Harper Daniels has good exercises and lessons. Share it with anyone who might be struggling. The fight is real, but it doesn't have to be long term. There's a way.

[@shivanisuryaa7428]

Thank you!!

[@Naaaxy]

thanks for the rec

[@nil-8026]

I bought a mindfulness notebook for 2021 and haven’t been able to fill a thing ok lol

[@ayaaly2866]

Thank you so much

[@jshah8343]

More power to u Lana!!! U r the bravest and preetiest!!!

[@veranyakpaab9552]

She's so beautiful

[@Me-ju6gp]

She is such a good role model. I feel like she and I look a bit similar in that we’re both Asian and short, and I appreciate the fact that she also isn’t super bone-thin. I’m not shaming anyone who is because I know some people struggle with gaining weight, but it doesn’t make me feel good about myself because even though I’m not “fat,” it makes me feel like I am when I see all these people who are so thin that I can see their bones poking out under their skin. She looks like a healthy weight and has a rounder face like I do, and it gives me a little bit of hope that maybe I’m not as ugly as I think I am and that if she can have bones that don’t show and a rounder face and be gorgeous, maybe I can too.

[@FlorSunflower]

Dear Lana, I can’t thank you enough for this. You’re truly wonderful 💖💖💖

[@steffikharis5503]

Wow her advice😢, i was realize that i was so mean to myself by judging my own body

[@newillumination921]

Not wanting to be an "inconvenience" to someone when I'm struggling in any way is a big block. I'm glad she phrased it that way. It really clicked on something for me.

[@_gen10_]

um I love her?? 😭 her ending message really resonated with me ugh.

[@aamu3]

everytime I think about body dysmorphia I think I defintely don't see myself as others do... but what if I really am the way I see myself? what if it's true? all the facts speak for it! I don't wear small sizes, the scale on the number says I'm in the upper range, my height is what it is - I feel like a giant with all the focus on my legs and butt I honestly wish it was "just my imagination" but what if it isnt...? no one's ever told me "yeah but you're thin"

[@puspakusumadewi3159]

So pretty

[@asinashrafa.k9534]

im so confused how someone who looks so perfect like that used to nitpick on 'flaws'...like umm...i'm soory i see beautiful eyes, flawless skin and GREAT hair like GORGEOUS

[@MsBruinboy]

I feel you

[@jazr7997]

Her voice is so calming! She should do a podcast.

[@annaleeaguilera428]

My mother said having a round face as a teenager is a very good thing because as you get older you lose collagen. Which makes you look older

[@js-mg3rh]

Yesss im going to be 30 soon and I still look 16

[@kaysaladd5873]

This is definitely goals for me this year Speaking positively to myself, building confidence and self love Just gonna manifest that on here 💕

[@mila.888]

I'm watching this cause of my girlfriend and it makes me understand her so much more.

[@buangpuiikhawlhring7149]

i love you Lana and you are beautiful 😚

[@beanfueled1581]

another empowering vid♡ showing imperfections and realness🖤

[@parukrish3518]

I have a lean body but my thighs on the other hand is big. I have had my days disliking it! But I am growing to love my body for the way it is. It is tough but I am trying. It makes me insecure. I can't wear the dress I want tho.

[@ifyogbue2629]

I remember last year before the pandemic, i hated that my body was thin and i wanted to gain weight because I thought i wasn’t pretty enough and thick girls are gaining traction. I took supplements, ate a lot and gained a lot of weight and i stopped exercising. I liked how it felt. I felt more confident, clothes fitted me better, people asked me out, it felt good. But i became afraid of going overboard with the weight gain, so i started exercising and counting calories. It didn’t feel like i was losing any weight. During Christmas , i caught COVID-19 and i was sick for a month. I lost so much weight and i had to cut my hair. After i got better, i couldn’t recognize myself, i looked so different, i didn’t look like myself, i had long beautiful braids before my brother snipped it off with scissors. I hate that i had to cut my hair but it had to be done. I don’t know if i have body dysmorphia or its just insecurity but i hate taking pictures because i don’t like my face. I had horrible acne as a teenager and i imagined having surgery to have my skin exchanged with good normal skin. I wish i was taller. I wish i had wider hips. Im literally the only black girl with small black lips. I feel like im ranting but this feels good, letting it all out.

[@emmad5201]

you are absolutely beautiful!!

[@TheShopgirl052202]

Small lips??? You have awesome thick lips girlllll, don’t let the haters tell you otherwise 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@ifyogbue2629]

@@emmad5201 thank you 😊☺️

[@ifyogbue2629]

@@TheShopgirl052202 😭thanks

[@pitstop6578]

This makeup looks is bomb Lana!

[@laysaferreirasilva2146]

Can relate so much, I was too strong and fat for ballet but I was healthy! I tried to not eat but I couldn't I felt even worst

[@brandyirisable]

Lana you are absolutely all counts beautiful.

[@dreadreaundrea]

I am dealing with these issues and I don’t know if I will ever get over it. I’ve been afraid to ask for help.

[@musicbytoffie]

❤❤❤❤

[@emilyfan3564]

It's ok to ask for help!! I wish all the best to you and hope you fine the strength to take control of your struggles

[@valerie7312]

I needed this thank you!

[@girlsfact6363]

I think she is a good person, and I've seeing her in movie, but now I guess I have better imagen about her, that not mean that she is just what I wanna she be in mi mind but is also really good watching her like this, you know, this part of her, that part that se don't have to hide for us!! I also I realized that is really important learning to love yourself, and more important fall in love with yourself! That's is🌹

[@deepthisiromani2007]

Thank you Lana❤️

[@ayaaly2866]

That was so refreshing and reassuring for me

[@pppppppieeeeeee]

She's an inspiration

[@katerinak117]

She is so beautiful

[@maevaoconnor7811]

I have never ever felt so heard.

[@MsTumz473]

Love love love this girl 💕

[@isonmohed5179]

I never knew what exactly body dysmorphia disorder was before watching Lana and searching about it and guess what even with out seeing any therapist(which I don’t have excess to) I am definitely saying everything that I was anxious and insecure about was a because I have a body dysmorphia because I have gone through a lot and I never knew why, but all I new was NEGATIVE EVALUATIONS that my family had on me and how they always compared me with my younger sister and I really want to say that I’m sure 💯 I have a body dysmorphia, I have and still focus on one part of my body and then the other😔 it’s sad and I’m fighting through it every day I wake up . But insha allah I will get there and be more confident because I was a very very very and extremely confident child till I was in height school and that’s when I got to know I have a social anxiety as well🤍

[@samanthaawordocus2075]

I have accepted I have this problem but I don't know how to seek help in an African household

[@simplysophie2548]

Really really loved this ♥️ very inspiring ♥️

[@ebonyalexis32]

Thank you

[@sabgxo]

Talk to urself like ur bestfriend 🥺

[@rubyspot..]

Jesus, i love this girl already

[@thurayaeissa3146]

I love you lana 🥺😭💜💜

[@chanpreetkaur28]

Lana is heart

[@jodayne8779]

so real

[@rooboatdeer22yu51]

Yaaaaayy’nnn!!!!

[@TheQuinnLetitia]

💙💙💙

[@tammyjga7059]

woah... theres a lot of people in the comments i relate to on so many levels.

[@moya9380]

She is natural

[@nicolesaridaki2780]

🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@lexilex9317]

💕💕

[@abbiemoj9165]

All I see is glass skin, beautiful face and perfect body 🤩

[@aren9103]

Note to my self: Please be gentle to me,you are kind to everyone and anything but yourself.Please be kind to me...

[@jmlucero2]

You are so beautiful

[@imjustyourfriend]

Well... I have dysmorphia on my BODY. My face is slim, but my body is otherwise. People always tell me I'm skinny and I look fine in body photos because my face is v shaped, but the truth is that I see so much fat on my body. I can't lose fat and I'm just getting bigger.

[@nevaehhash9330]

Is it just me or was anybody else constantly making sure there wasn’t eyeliner on her eye lid

[@ca0987]

What is body dysmorphia??

[@o.m9514]

Ballet...

[@briterry4961]

She seems so genuine. Didn't care to listen to her promo interviews much before the panorama but I like this Lana. She's very real and it's so much more captivating than all that other superficial crap they usually have young celebrities speak on.

[@JM-vk7em]

I agree the vibe is genuine and real :)

[@deepthisiromani2007]

True💯

[@riveroverland5902]

Lana Condor is literally so inspiring, she’s so humble and sweet. She’s also such a great actress and seeing someone I can relate to on the big screen is just so beautiful

[@pandapants790]

It’s refreshing to see an Asian (American) actress as a lead in a romantic teen comedy. I can’t remember ever seeing that when I was younger and it feels great to see it now. And especially without it being a cliche “Asian” role or as a funny side kick to the blonde bombshell. It just felt so normal and I felt represented.

[@YN-wo8rd]

Yes fr. As an Indian, I never feel represented. The only American shows I can name with Indian actors are never have I ever and jessie(Ravi). And even then, they are the stereotypical Indians. I just want an Indian character who is just Indian, and not the stereotypical super cultural indian

[@YN-wo8rd]

But I’m so happy to see more diversity and to see Asian actors.

[@pandapants790]

Yes it would be amazing to see an Indian lead actress too! All races should be represented in the arts. It makes no sense at all not to show more Indian actors In American films, they are so beautiful with their gorgeous skin, eyelashes and hair!

[@des_o_raerae]

and the role of being asian doesn't feel forced in the movie either!! It's very natural :)))

[@kelseydiaz1720]

she’s actually 100% Asian she was adopted by her parents in Vietnam

[@CookieFridays]

“This mind and this body is the only one that we get” Thanks for that reminder 💜

[@aftonpinote6038]

She’s such a nice person, she understands, she opens up, we all love her so much!

[@Judith_Om]

Speaking out helps. But then, you have to love yourself regardless of how big your stomach is, how big or thick your thighs are, how you're not so tall, how you're too tall. Whichever way your body is, It's adequate, it is enough! I'm still learning to love myself daily, it's not easy but definitely, we will get there!!

[@joydanleigh7711]

Be blessed and covered by the blood of Jesus Christ

[@Judith_Om]

@@joydanleigh7711 Amen and you too!!!

[@kbeng.8274]

💟❤️💗

[@belovedaimee7880]

it’s always refreshing seeing and hearing celebrities talking about their flaws ❤️❤️❤️

[@Rose-qj6eq]

You sound miserable

[@kbeng.8274]

Reminder that body dismorphia and other mental illnesses are not flaws! 🤎

[@daraudobong7195]

Anticipating someone else talking about their flaws isn’t as healthy as you might think it is

[@joydanleigh7711]

Be blessed and covered by the blood of Jesus Christ

[@nealaguo9814]

they're just humans tho? why is it so radical for celebrities to talk about flaws?

[@itgirlmiyuki]

Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and think.. "wow you're so beautiful" then a few minutes go by and I think I'm the ugliest person in the world..

[@slothbear8638]

Same I alternate between liking how I look briefly and then going back to hating myself

[@skinnylamperouge693]

i know how this feels. it’s horrible to constantly be in doubt

[@zeynab9788]

Same

[@acisx8657]

Honestly, I've only really seen Lana in the movies, but seeing her like this makes me appreciate her so much as a person. It's very comforting to have someone to relate to :)

[@franciscariveramartinez]

wow... She said the first words and I immediately started crying, this pandemic has f*cked up my mental health in so many ways

[@musicbytoffie]

🤗 (a hug)

[@nanakomatsu22]

I’m so sorry, u deserve a hug 🤗🥺🖤

[@franciscariveramartinez]

Thank you both 🥺💖

[@musicbytoffie]

@@franciscariveramartinez ❤

[@anabellacarter5527]

me too your not alone

[@taiyabazaheer9492]

I'll be honest. Lana has helped me with my dysmorphia. Her 3 movies became my favourite on Netflix because the female lead is different than the usual tall white female. Lana's character kinda told me that living your life is more important than obsessing over your looks. She looks so different than her peers but her confidence shines through and she actually comes across as the prettiest. Her dressing sense and makeup add to it.

[@misaamane5227]

Absolutely! I am kind of short and I don't have... I don't know how to name it: elongated, hour-glass shaped figure? Which is for some reason beauty standard everywhere... I was so happy when I realised (okay, I knew that already, but..) that a girl that looks like me can also be a (stunning, beautiful, perfect) main character.

[@catarinaceleste5233]

She’s so gorgeous. I was so happy to see another type of normal on screen when the first movie came out.

[@yuyu-ff1wj]

Me too, she definitely helped me so much and she’s so stunning!!

[@angelinluprahsia7707]

me too!! her style in 3 of her netflix movies, to all the boys i've loved before, i found her outfit is stunning and i like her style, she looks cute and make me more confidence about my body, i found myself that beauty isn't always that slim white perfect body.

[@MADEbySOUL]

Having women like Lana Candor and Ashley Graham really heals the tween and teen in me. The yrs reading YA novels and consuming media where the leading ladies were not POC or varied in proportions. Thank you for making me see myself as the leading lady of my own life. 😊

[@christianeburkhardt4872]

she’s so beautiful

[@Lol-kf6qd]

Honestly seeing someone like Lana that is so normal, in an amazing movie like TATB was so inspiring for an Asian girl and it’s the representation that I needed! 😍💕🙌🏻

[@YolandaChenYT]

I can’t stop staring at her eyeshadow omg

[@nittoburn4]

IKR

[@HOLLAitisGilanne]

It was one of her lash inserts lol but honestly that made me love her more!

[@meirosesbloom]

this is something i’ve been struggling w and when you talked about how “I’m 23 and I’m influenced by it, I was like I’M 23 and I’m influenced by it haha. thank you lana for making me feel validated. much love to you and your journey

[@psiloveu143]

same

[@jjcoll4088]

I'm 33 and I'm somewhat still influenced by it. I feel for the younger generations

[@bal9944]

This is such a hard topic...

[@krisudontwannaknow4675]

Loved it!!!! Like I really relate to Lana about body dysmorphia .these tiktokers and Victoria secret models and all are beautiful in their own way. We all are also beautiful in our own way. And tbh beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. So anyone reading this comment You are beautiful and I mean it!!!! I love you You are important You are worthy You are strong And most importantly You are beautiful just the way you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️

[@missgellie]

I love her so much🥺❤️ this makes me happy inside and out❤️

[@Tanja-xc4eq]

Wow she seems so nice and humble

[@hayleykwok]

thank you so much for sharing this

[@twara.an454]

I just love how our generation is becoming open and comfortable with their problems.... I love how cutely she represents her self - care need not only to her but the whole world, its just so beautiful...... These sometimes just are such a great comfort