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Boy Meets World Stars' Body Image Struggles Revealed
14 May
Summary
- Actors grapple with constant shame and fear about their appearance.
- Fans criticize stars for aging, wanting them to stay young.
- Pregnancy helped one star appreciate her body's capabilities.

On a recent episode of the "Pod Meets World" podcast, "Boy Meets World" cast members Rider Strong, Danielle Fishel, and Will Friedle discussed the profound and enduring impact of early fame on their self-perception and body image. Strong, who began the series at 13, shared ongoing feelings of shame and fear about his appearance, noting that fans often seem displeased with the cast for aging.
Friedle, now 49, echoed these sentiments, expressing a belief that he will never be fully comfortable with his body, attributing this to unattainable internal ideals. Fishel, who joined the show at 12, suggested that both she and Strong likely experience body dysmorphia. She recounted past experiences on set where she felt criticized for weight gain, internalizing the idea that her body was problematic.
Fishel also shared a positive shift in her perspective following pregnancy. After an OBGYN noted her rapid weight gain during pregnancy, the doctor's professional charting of potential body dysmorphia instead of focusing on weight led Fishel to develop a new appreciation for her body's capabilities, recognizing her worth extended beyond her physical form.