Jesy Nelson tops list of heat's fittest female celebrities in the world

See the full list

Jesy Nelson
Author: William MarriottPublished 31st Dec 2019
Last updated 31st Dec 2019

Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has topped heat's list of the fittest, most body-positive women in the world this year, for sharing her heartbreaking and powerful journey to body love in her documentary Odd One Out.

heat's annual Fit List is a celebration of female celebrities who are proving beautiful bodies come in all shapes and sizes.

The singer, who this year went public with Love Island star Chris Hughes, beat competition from the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Gemma Atkinson and Stacey Solomon to take the top spot.

This year has seen Jesy open up in her BBC Three documentary Odd One Out about online abuse she received and the dark place she sank to, after being bombarded with negative messages about the way she looked.

From making the documentary, getting therapy and receiving support from her friends, family and bandmates, Jesy’s finally reached a healthy place where she feels proud of the way she looks, and now, she is on a mission to make sure other women feel the same.

CHECK OUT: The top 10 of heat's Fit List

10. Lucy Mecklenburgh

Lucy Mecklenburgh, 30, has edged herself into the top 10, inspiring thousands of women to embrace fitness through her Results with Lucy programme.

9. Dina Asher Smith

World Champion and Olympic medallist Dina Asher-Smith, 24, makes it in at number 9.

8. Alex Scott

Former footballer, first ever female pundit on Match of the Day and Strictly contestant Alex Scott, 35, is at number 8.

7. Dua Lipa

International superstar Dua Lipa, 24, sits comfortably at number 7.

6. Gemma Atkinson

In at number 6 is Gemma Atkinson, 35, who is getting back to peak fitness levels slowly and safely after the birth of her daughter Mia.

5. Davina McCall

t's no surprise that fitness and motivational queen Davina McCall, 52, is back on this year's list at number 5.

4. Stacey Solomon

Stacey Solomon, 30, who welcomed her third son Rex is in at 4, and is applauded for the impact her honesty has had on women.

3. Rochelle Humes

TV presenter Rochelle Humes, 30, takes the third place.

2. Jennifer Lopez

J-Lo takes the 2nd spot. Turning 50 this year, she looked more glowing than ever, taking to the Versace runway in a replica of the iconic dress she wore 20 years ago. She's incredibly disciplined in both her workouts and her diet, but she does this to make the most of her body, rather than to shape it into something it's not.

1. Jesy Nelson

Taking the top spot is Jesy Nelson, 28, who this year has opened up about online abuse, mental health and body image.

Discussing her rise to the top of the list, the 28-year-old said, “I didn’t know what it felt like to be happy. I have overcome that now, but there must be so many women and girls that don’t feel good in themselves and are struggling with mental illness, and I thought if I’ve overcome that, I want people to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s mad how society expects us to look. Everybody has this preconception that you’re supposed to be perfect looking – but nobody is perfect. What’s great is that there are so many artists coming out now who aren’t stereotypically how a pop star is ‘supposed’ to look. It’s so empowering to women."

She continued, "I still have days when I feel sh*t in myself but instead of beating myself up about it and being miserable, I think, ‘OK, I’m going to have my moment of being sad and I’ll be over it’. Before I didn’t let myself be sad.”

To read more stories like this, buy heat magazine's latest edition, OUT NOW.

Heat Magazine

If your favourite music icons are the Spice Girls and your favourite Ks are Kylie and the Kardashians, you need heat Radio in your life! heat Radio is portable, so you can listen to us on the move. Simply download our app from your phone’s app store, listen online at heatradio.com and at heatworld.com. We’re on all the smart speakers too, just say “play heat Radio".