Jackie Adedeji: Living with Big Boobs, Shutting Down Shame & Flying the Flag for Body Positivity

The Capsule in Conversation

This week Natalie is joined by broadcaster, journalist and body positive activist Jackie Adedeji to talk all about her brand new documentary for channel 4’s untold series My Big Boobs. During the episode Jackie discusses her own experience of developing KK breasts at the age of just 11 and feeling confused, shamed and sexualised during her adolescent years. She describes both the mental and physical toll having bigger boobs has taken on her throughout her life but made a decision to accept her natural shape and use her growing platform to help inspire and empower other woman to be proud of their bodies. As part of her work she details how the idea for a documentary came about after she reflected on when she was refused breast reduction surgery on the NHS at 18. Despite sharing her pain and difficult experience with her doctor she was refused due to her BMI being too high, something that other women in her position have experienced despite part of their weight being down to heaviness of their breasts. Jackie opens up this conversation with several women during the documentary and uncovers how many women are now going private in order to have breast reduction surgery with a whopping 55% increase in the procedure over recent years. The documentary is fascinating, educational and emotional and this chat reflects Jackie’s passion and insight into why creating it was so important to her. For anyone who has ever felt like they have been defined by the breasts, been made fun of at school, had struggled buying clothes or experienced the aches and pains that come with having bigger boobs, this chat will make you feel supported and empowered.