In the fast-paced world of social media, where curated perfection often overshadows reality, Remi Bader stands out as a beacon of authenticity. The 30-year-old TikTok star and fashion influencer, with over 2.3 million followers, has carved a unique space in the digital landscape by championing size inclusivity, mental health awareness, and self-acceptance. Her journey, marked by viral “realistic haul” videos, a candid approach to her struggles with binge eating, and a transformative weight loss surgery, has made her one of the most influential voices of 2025, earning her a spot on TIME’s 2025 Creators List.
From TikTok Stardom to Body Positivity Advocate
Remi Bader rose to prominence in 2021 through her “realistic haul” videos on TikTok, where she tried on clothing from popular brands and called out their inconsistent and often exclusionary sizing. Her relatable, humorous, and unfiltered approach resonated with millions, particularly those frustrated by the fashion industry’s lack of inclusivity for plus-size bodies. Bader’s content wasn’t just about style—it was a call for change, urging brands to prioritize diversity in their sizing and representation. Her advocacy quickly made her a prominent voice in the body positivity movement, though she’s been clear she never set out to be its face.
“I loved being curvy my whole life; it was who I was,” Bader shared in an interview with Self. “I will always believe that you could be a bigger size and be healthy and happy.” However, her journey took a deeply personal turn when health challenges, including chronic pain, back issues, and binge eating disorder, prompted her to explore new paths to wellness.
A Transformative Decision: Weight Loss Surgery
In December 2023, Bader underwent a single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S), a bariatric surgery that combines a gastric sleeve with an intestinal bypass to reduce hunger and calorie absorption. The decision wasn’t made lightly. After years of struggling with binge eating, trying medications like Ozempic and Vyvanse, and facing mental health challenges, Bader consulted with her doctor and chose SADI-S to address her health concerns. The procedure, which removed 80% of her stomach, was a game-changer but came with a grueling recovery.
Bader described the recovery as “the most brutal thing” she’d ever experienced, marked by relentless vomiting, an inability to drink water, and a three-month period of deep depression. “I was so sick… I was like, ‘Something’s wrong. I should’ve never done this. I literally ruined my body,’” she told Khloé Kardashian on the podcast Khloé in Wonder Land. The emotional toll was immense, with Bader admitting she “wanted to die” during the darkest days of her recovery.
Despite the challenges, Bader’s health has since improved significantly. She’s reported normal bloodwork for the first time in five years, no back pain, and fewer binge-eating episodes, though she still navigates lifestyle adjustments like not eating and drinking within 30 minutes of each other. “Am I happier than when I was dealing with the health issues and the back pain? Yes. I have more energy,” she shared.
Navigating Public Scrutiny and Identity
Bader’s weight loss sparked intense online speculation, with some accusing her of using anti-obesity drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy. Others criticized her for not being transparent sooner, arguing her silence set unrealistic expectations for her followers. “Happy for you & your journey. I just wish there was more transparency,” one TikTok user commented. However, supporters rallied behind her, emphasizing that her health decisions were personal. “You are nothing without your health,” another follower wrote, celebrating her recovery.
The scrutiny also brought up complex questions about her identity as an influencer. Known for her plus-size advocacy, Bader faced criticism from some who felt she no longer represented the community, while others deemed her “too small” for some brands yet “still too big” for societal standards. “I was lost with my identity before… I wasn’t big enough at first for the plus-size community. Then I became too big… Now I’m too small?” she reflected in Self.
In response, Bader has been vocal about rejecting rigid labels. Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway debut in May 2025 was a pivotal moment, where she walked confidently in a leopard print bikini, embracing her evolving body. “I simply just stood for every girl or woman who’s felt lost about where she belongs,” she wrote on Instagram, highlighting her refusal to be boxed in by others’ expectations.
Addressing Controversy and Setting Boundaries
The public’s reaction to Bader’s surgery sparked a broader conversation about what body-positive influencers “owe” their audiences. Some felt her initial privacy about the procedure betrayed her platform’s honesty, while others defended her right to heal privately. In a May 2024 essay for Nylon, Bader set boundaries, stating, “Today, I am no longer in a place where I want my body and the status of my physical health to be the main topic.” She reiterated her commitment to authenticity but prioritized her mental health.
Bader also addressed critics who called her surgery “the easy way out.” In an April 2025 video, she showcased her gym progress, from pre-surgery struggles to post-recovery strength, captioning it, “Don’t let anyone ever tell you surgery is the easy way out. I worked hard to get here and I’m forever proud of myself.”
A Lifelong Journey with Binge Eating
Bader’s struggles with binge eating began in childhood, exacerbated by diet culture and external pressures. She recalled a family member offering her $1,000 to lose 20 pounds at age 10, an experience that fueled her complex relationship with food. Diagnosed with binge eating disorder, she tried various diets, including WeightWatchers and the Fast Metabolism Diet, but found herself trapped in a cycle of restriction and binging. “I was getting pretty desperate,” she wrote in a 2019 email to a dietician.
Post-surgery, Bader’s binge-eating episodes have decreased, largely because her smaller stomach physically limits her ability to overeat. However, she’s candid about ongoing challenges, emphasizing therapy and medication for anxiety and depression as crucial to her mental health.
A Voice for Resilience and Self-Love
Bader’s story transcends weight loss—it’s about resilience, self-discovery, and reclaiming her narrative. Her August 2024 Instagram post addressing body criticism was a powerful call to action: “I fear if we don’t learn to love our bodies even as they change, we’ll spend forever wishing away who we are.” Her journey, from a childhood shaped by diet culture to a public figure navigating health and identity, resonates with those grappling with similar struggles.
In June 2025, Bader’s Sports Illustrated runway moment symbolized her growth. “Looking at these unedited photos and not wishing to change a thing reminds me how far I’ve come—not for vanity, but for my mental, emotional, and physical health,” she wrote.
Looking Forward
As Remi Bader continues to evolve, she remains committed to transparency on her terms. Her story challenges the binary of body positivity versus health, advocating for a nuanced approach where self-love and personal wellness coexist. Whether walking runways, clapping back at critics, or sharing vulnerable moments, Bader’s influence lies in her unapologetic authenticity—a reminder that true empowerment comes from embracing one’s journey, no matter how it unfolds.
For those struggling with eating disorders or mental health, Bader’s openness points to resources like NationalEatingDisorders.org and the Crisis Text Line (text “STRENGTH” to 741-741). Her message is clear: health is personal, and everyone’s path to it is their own.
