Tess Holliday Denied Life Insurance, Citing Weight as Reason
Model and activist Tess Holliday stated in a TikTok video on Wednesday that she was denied life insurance coverage, attributing the denial to her weight. Holliday, who describes herself as a 40-year-old individual weighing over 300 pounds at five feet three inches tall, emphasized that she is a nonsmoker, nondrinker, has no existing health issues, and exercises daily. This report comes as Holliday relaunched her long-standing "Eff Your Beauty Standards" advocacy campaign.
Report of Life Insurance Denial
Tess Holliday publicly stated on Wednesday via a TikTok video that her application for life insurance was denied, with the reason cited as her weight. She detailed her personal profile, noting she is 40 years old, does not smoke or drink, maintains a daily exercise routine, and has no current health conditions. Holliday further specified her height as five feet three inches and her weight as over 300 pounds.
She questioned the denial, noting her stated healthy lifestyle despite her body size. Holliday articulated her view that the "medical-industrial complex is fatphobic" and that the existing system is "broken" or "flawed."
"The medical-industrial complex is fatphobic, and the existing system is broken or flawed."
Broader Context and Industry Practices
Reports from various online platforms, including social media and Reddit forums, indicate that it is not uncommon for life insurance companies to decline applicants based on weight. These reports suggest such practices reflect a tendency within the medical industry to associate larger bodies with unhealthiness.
A 2024 study indicated that 80% of patients with type III obesity reported experiencing weight stigma in healthcare environments. The study also noted that this experience of stigma was more pronounced for younger patients and those with chronic illnesses.
Advocacy and Campaign Relaunch
Holliday has been an advocate for individuals in larger bodies since 2013, when she initiated the #effyourbeautystandards movement on Instagram. Earlier this month, she announced the relaunch of her "Eff Your Beauty Standards" campaign.
Holliday cited "ongoing challenges to diversity, bodily autonomy, and human rights" and the continued need to address these issues as reasons for reactivating the initiative.