A plus-size influencer has shared the problems she has encountered while backpacking around the world, including people asking to touch her stomach.
Lexi Malan, 28, from Rexburg, Idaho, has been traveling Southeast Asia since 2022, and despite feeling deeply ashamed, she still encourages plus-size people to travel.
The content creator, who has gained weight as a result of her polycystic ovary syndrome, isn't letting nasty comments get in her way.
She started her journey in Bali before traveling to Cambodia. While she was there, locals asked her if she was pregnant, while strangers told her to “walk more.”
“Traveling as a plus-size person can certainly pose difficulties, while traveling as a normal-size person does not,” she said. 'Early in my travels, I realized that not only was I plus size, but I was also very out of shape in terms of physical fitness.
Lexi Malan (pictured), 28, from Rexburg, Idaho has been traveling Southeast Asia since 2022, and despite being deeply ashamed, she still encourages plus-size people to travel
'It also feels like you have to think twice as much as everyone else. Can I fit in the seats of this restaurant? I should note that I will have to ask for a seat belt extender during my flight.
'Is there a weight limit for this activity? Can I keep up with everyone if I go somewhere with a group? There are a lot of things you have to take into account.'
Shockingly, the traveler has even had strangers come up to touch her, purely because of her size.
She said: 'I spend a lot of my travel time in more local areas so I've had kids and old ladies touch my stomach and tell me I'm fat, but no one ever means it in a bad way.'
Lexi has also encountered challenges while traveling with other people. She said: 'When you are with a group it can sometimes be difficult to express the things you need because it can feel embarrassing or like a burden for everyone.
'I've met some amazing people while traveling, but it's always hard not to get into your own head.
'The positive side of traveling alone when you're older is that you can decide many more things for yourself without having to explain or have people accommodate you.
'If you feel like you can't handle a walk, just don't go. If you think you can't go to a certain restaurant, you choose a new restaurant.'
Lexi has faced harsh comments from locals abroad who asked her if she was pregnant or had even touched her belly. Pictured in Cambodia
Lexi is amazed by the beautiful White Temple of Thailand, a sacred religious site for Buddhists
Lexi left in September 2022 to see the world, starting in Bali before heading to Cambodia, and then to the rest of Southeast Asia
In her videoYou see Lexi talking to the camera as she reads some negatives.
She said: 'If you go to Asia, people will say you are fat. Not mainly backpackers, but certainly locals. There are so many people touching my stomach, people telling me to walk more and little children asking if I'm pregnant.'
'A lot of people stare too. Also planes, buses, trains, small boats, they can be difficult. Luckily I was able to do everything, but it can be super uncomfortable.
'I've been on trains where you have to share small seats with people, and that can be difficult.
'There are also weight restrictions for some things, for example if you do skydiving or ziplining it can be difficult. More extreme activities may be more difficult to perform, but the vast majority are possible.”
Lexi is proud of her body and urges other plus-size women to travel, despite what she tells them in her TikTok clip
Lexi peeks behind some green foliage and beams happily as she travels through Southeast Asia
The post has since received just under 4,000 views, as well as hundreds of likes and comments from users showering Lexi with love.
Lexi said: 'As far as the people I've met, I've experienced some people being mean to me or just treating me differently, but the vast majority of people I've met have been absolutely incredible!
“I know this sounds like one of those silly pieces of advice you always hear, but people often get caught up in planning or wanting to do something and then never do it.”
The travel influencer urges plus-size people to go for it and take a risk. “No time will ever be perfect and you will never be 100 percent prepared.
She added: 'When I first started backpacking I had never been out of the country on my own, and I could barely walk 10 minutes without being absolutely exhausted, and now here I am!
“I would never have done so many of the incredible things I've been able to experience if I had waited until I was 'ready' or 'prepared.' You can do this, you are just as capable and worthy of living the life you want as anyone else.”