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Key Takeaways
- Sam Smith experienced bullying in school due to their weight and the development of their chest.
- They underwent chest liposuction at the age of 13 in response to this bullying.
- Smith described the surgery as a "nightmare" and ultimately ineffective due to continued poor eating habits.
- Despite early struggles with body image, Smith has grown more comfortable in their skin, posing topless for their album cover and embracing their body.
- Smith has found liberation and freedom from societal pressures related to body image as they’ve gotten older.
Sam Smith Reflects on Childhood Bullying and Liposuction
Sam Smith recently opened up about their experiences with childhood bullying and their decision to undergo chest liposuction at a young age. During an interview on the "Podcrushed" podcast with Penn Badgley, Smith detailed the impact of their weight on their self-esteem and the torment they endured in school. They revealed that their weight was a constant source of teasing, particularly as they began to develop a chest.
The bullying became so severe that Smith opted for chest liposuction at the age of 13. They recounted the difficulties they faced with swimming in school and the anxiety they experienced in locker rooms, leading to their decision to undergo the procedure. Smith’s parents were supportive, recognizing the extent to which the bullying was affecting their child’s well-being.
However, Smith described the surgery as a "nightmare" with limited success. Despite the procedure, their poor eating habits persisted, undermining the intended outcome. Smith also shared a story of them using the post-surgery bandage to their advantage, manipulating the situation to cut lunch queues, thus furthering their unhealthy eating.
A Journey to Self-Acceptance
In a previous interview with The Sunday Times in 2023, Smith reflected on their journey towards body positivity. They spoke about struggling with their weight and body image while in the public eye, especially within the context of the music industry’s expectations for pop stars. Smith noted that they never fit the conventional mold of what a pop star should look like.
A turning point for Smith came after their "Thrill of It All" tour in 2018. Exhausted from touring, they began seeking out body-positive role models and challenging their own insecurities. They made a conscious effort to spend time at the pool without a shirt, gradually overcoming their self-consciousness. This process ultimately led to a positive transformation in their self-perception.
Embracing Self-Love and Liberation
Smith shared that they now experience the "opposite of body dysmorphia," feeling fabulous and comfortable in their own skin. They expressed newfound liberation from the pressures they felt when they were younger, noting that they are now unconcerned with the opinions of others regarding their size.
Smith’s music has become an outlet for their self-expression and personal growth. They explained that they felt happier and more liberated while creating their album "Gloria," released from the constraints that once plagued them. Smith’s mother has observed that they have stopped caring as much about what other people think as they’ve grown older, which Smith acknowledged as true.


