On the networks, the countdowns for the summer body have already started. In the middle of these ultra-filtered before/afters, a voice well known to French women chose another path: that of a raw testimony, without promises of miracles or slimming programs. On Instagram, former Miss France Vaimalama Chaves said she gained weight in one year… without trying to hide it.
In a video published on April 5, 2026, the young woman explains having gained 20 kilos after very extensive physical preparation for a bodybuilding competition. She talks about the restrictions, the effects on her health, but also the relief felt since she let her body breathe. While fully embracing this change in silhouette.
Vaimalama Chaves, Miss France 2019, facing the dictates of summer body
Crowned Miss France 2019, Vaimalama Chaves was quickly exposed to comments about her body, whether it was considered too thin or not enough. Her weight variations have often been singled out, making her a regular target for criticism related to her appearance. This context gives particular significance to his recent speech.
In her Instagram video, she confides having gained 20 kg. She now assumes this figure and lets go in front of the camera: , declared Vaimalama Chaves in an Instagram video from April 5, 2026, relayed by Midi Libre. A simple admission, which contrasts with the usual injunctions to find your “line” as quickly as possible.
20 kilos after a bodybuilding competition and TCA to manage
Before this weight gain, the ex-beauty queen had imposed a bodybuilder’s preparation on herself, with weighing food, intensive training and the goal of an ultra-dry silhouette. A model that she calls into question today. She explains: A way of reminding us that the “perfect” image can hide a very harsh relationship with oneself.
Vaimalama Chaves says that removing all “pleasure” food caused her to have eating disorders (TCA). After the competition, his body reacted by gaining weight, up to those famous extra 20 kilos. She says she let her body “enjoy” and live again, even if it means moving away from the standards imposed by competitions and by Instagram.
Happier with chocolate: the body positive message of Vaimalama Chaves
To turn her back on the pressure of a swimsuit, she adopts the words of Helena, which she sings in her video: . His message is intended to be light, almost amusing, but has a very serious background on self-acceptance. She sums up her state of mind by asserting that she is , claiming pleasure rather than permanent restriction.
Vaimalama Chaves nevertheless specifies that she has returned to the gym. Not to display a spectacular “before/after”, but because she doesn’t want to renew her entire wardrobe. She humorously evokes a sort of unofficial “mass gain”, while emphasizing that her objective is now comfort and well-being, more than a return to a competitive body.
Why did Vaimalama Chaves gain 20 kilos?
She explains that she gained these 20 kilos after extreme preparation for a bodybuilding competition, when her body found a freer diet and eating disorders appeared.
What does Vaimalama Chaves think of competitive bodies?
According to her, a body shaped for the stage is not necessarily synonymous with good health, because it is often based on deficiencies and a strong deprivation of food pleasure.
Did Vaimalama Chaves stop exercising after gaining weight?
No, she returned to the gym, but with a different objective: to feel good in her body and her clothes, rather than chasing a “summer body”.
