Jane Garrett, the first plus-sized contestant to place in the Top 20 at Miss Universe, faced both praise and criticism during her historic journey. Representing Nepal in the 72nd Miss Universe competition in November 2023, Garrett broke barriers in an industry known for strict beauty standards.
At just 22, Garrett stood out for promoting body positivity and raising awareness about mental health, PCOS, and hormonal health. “I came to represent my country and inspire women around the world,” she said.
On stage, Garrett carried herself with confidence, wearing a metallic one-piece swimsuit with elegant waist ruching. For the evening gown segment, she honored her South Asian roots by wearing a stunning red and gold dress that blended traditional designs with a modern touch.
While Garrett’s performance received loud applause, her success wasn’t without challenges. After the event, she spoke about her struggles with self-esteem and the harsh criticism she faced. “I’ve seen comments like ‘That’s disgusting’ or ‘She’s promoting obesity,’ but they don’t know my story,” Garrett explained.
Her weight struggles were linked to PCOS, a condition that causes hormonal imbalances and makes it difficult to manage weight. “It’s easy for us to gain weight, even if we look at cake,” she said.
Growing up, Garrett faced bullying for her body. As a teenager, she compared herself to others and developed eating disorders in her effort to fit into societal standards. “I starved myself because I wanted to be a model,” she admitted. Eventually, she had to rewire her mindset to accept and love herself.
Despite the negativity, Garrett chose to focus on positivity. “Body positivity is about accepting and loving yourself while working towards a healthier lifestyle,” she said.
Garrett’s journey didn’t stop at Miss Universe. In April 2024, she returned to the runway, dazzling the audience in a sparkling body-con dress and proving her message of confidence and self-acceptance.
Her time on the Miss Universe stage was more than just a competition. Garrett redefined beauty standards, showing that true beauty has no size and that confidence always shines the brightest.
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