Fans of fans questioning Khloé's wellness and the body image norms the show is promoting.
Fans flocked to Twitter to discuss the sensitive topic. The Kardashians see Khloé as a victim while others refuse. However, a villain era predicated on unhealthy body image issues does feel awfully depressing.
Kendall & Kylie Called Out Khloé's Unhealthy Weight
The online discussion stemmed from Kim saying, "I will say, Kendall and Kylie, not that I'm trying to out them, but they did text me and say that they were a little concerned for you because you are really skinny." Kim said she defended Khloé and argued she was stressed. Khloé agreed that life "was a lot," but she tended to isolate amid it and process her Tristan Thompson drama herself. To Kim's credit, she did validate Kendall and Kylie's concern and ask Khloé how she was. Khloé said she was learning how to "unlove" Tristan after being in the best place with him ever on the surface. Understandably, Khloé might lose more weight amid depression and anxiety. However, her unwillingness to address the weight loss concern more directly only increased fans' concern.
How The Kardashians Reinforce Unhealthy Body Norms
Ironically, Khloé came under fire for referring to Jordyn Woods and Tristan as "fat f**king a**holes" in a drunken rant in Palm Springs after their 2019 cheating scandal. The raw commentary definitely shows a superiority complex around weight and arguably hints at Khloé's belief that being skinnier makes her more deserving of love and respect. Later in the episode, Khloé meets up to do a brain-scanning adventure with Kendall, and the two hug and compliment each other as being "so skinny." The moment feels so problematic in the context of the younger sisters being concerned by Khloé's weight loss. While Hollywood elites, including The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, still compliment being skinny, most women are evolving their idea of beauty beyond thinness. While Kim and Khloé's brands embrace diverse body types, their obsession with thinness for themselves often speaks louder.
Looking back, it's no surprise that the younger generation is the one calling out their sisters' unhealthy habits today. Amid all the online criticism, Kourtney Kardashian also deserves some credit for always prioritizing health over weight loss. Her gluten-free antics were never about being skinny but being her best self. Many fans miss the Khloé who sharply cut off Caitlyn Jenner when she suggested Khloé lose a few pounds before a photo shoot. Kris Jenner also held an unhealthy obsession with anesthetics and weight loss, which merits deeper interrogation. It would be a relief if Khloé and Kim could address the body politics around them more openly while acknowledging weight loss as an unfortunate check mark on the path to success.
Sources: Alexi / Twitter, The Britt Blog/ Twitter