Megan Fox provided a candid glimpse into her thoughts during an interview with Sports Illustrated, where she revealed her ongoing struggle with body dysmorphia. The actress, often objectified and hypersexualized on screen, expressed that she has never perceived herself the way others do and has never truly loved her body.
Recalling her childhood, the 37-year-old shared that she had an early fixation on attaining a particular appearance, despite growing up in a religious environment that did not emphasize physical bodies. Reflecting on her journey of self-love, Fox acknowledged that it is a lifelong process.
According to the American Psychological Association, body dysmorphia involves an excessive disparagement of one’s appearance that is not supported by objective evidence. This condition may range from a mild defect in a body feature to extreme cases where no objective evidence of any physical abnormality exists.
While Fox’s experience aligns with body dysmorphia to some extent, she distinguished it from the more severe body dysmorphic disorder, characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with an imagined defect in physical appearance or excessive concern over slight physical anomalies. It is estimated that body dysmorphic disorder affects 2.4% of adults in the United States, with a slightly higher prevalence among women and individuals assigned female at birth.
During the interview, Fox also discussed other flaws she possesses, one of which has received excessive attention: her “kind of short” thumbs. However, she expressed a desire for people to focus more on her metaphysical qualities, such as her “rainbow aura.” Instead of emphasizing her physical attributes, she hoped that her swimsuit cover portrait would exude a “healthy good girl” vibe.
Fox’s conversation touched upon her personal life and career, challenging misconceptions and appreciating her past projects. She reaffirmed her admiration for the 2009 horror-comedy film “Jennifer’s Body,” considering it her favorite project. The timing of the movie aligned with her public struggles and served as a metaphor for her experiences in Hollywood, media, and the world at large.
Addressing controversies, Fox referenced her public fallout with director Michael Bay during the “Transformers” franchise and her involvement in the #MeToo movement before its widespread recognition in 2017. She emphasized her growth, stating that she no longer gives her life away to those who do not appreciate it.
Shifting the focus to a positive note, Fox expressed immense pride in her role as a mother to her three children with ex-husband Brian Austin Green: Noah (10), Bodhi (8), and Journey (6). She highlighted her success and connection in parenting, witnessing the reflection of her motherhood in her children’s eyes and behavior.
When contemplating her legacy, Fox questioned the concept’s significance and whether it would matter after her death. She stated that she does not actively pursue actions for the sake of leaving a legacy. Instead, she finds the greatest testament in the stories of girls who approach her and credit her for helping them embrace their sexuality or come out to their parents. Such encounters, where she influenced others’ self-realization, hold more gratification for her than compliments on her talent or movies.
