Lizzie Velasquez: The Woman Who Turned Cruelty Into Courage and Inspires Millions
At just 29 years old, Lizzie Velasquez weighs only 64 pounds due to an incredibly rare condition called Marfan lipodystrophy syndrome — a disorder so uncommon that only one other person in the world is known to have it. Despite facing a lifetime of bullying and being judged for how she looks, Lizzie has never let the cruelty define her.
“I know what it’s like to feel like you’re not pretty enough,” she once said — words that resonate with so many.
For Lizzie, strength comes from three key sources: her faith, her family, and food. A proud Catholic, she says her relationship with God gives her peace and purpose:
“Having God with me always is very special,” she shared.
Born and raised in Texas, Lizzie is the oldest of three kids in a close-knit Mexican-American family. Her parents, sister, and brother have always stood by her — especially when strangers stared or made hurtful comments. But to them, she’s not different.
“To my family, I’m just Lizzie,” she says with pride.
Now living in Austin, Lizzie recently bought her first home just minutes from her parents. She loves to entertain and host family get-togethers, and she’s even teaching herself how to bake and cook. Her favorite dish to make? Cheese enchiladas.
Lizzie’s journey as a motivational speaker and author began after a traumatic experience in her teens. A video interview she did was posted online with the cruel title “World’s Ugliest Woman.” While it was a painful moment, Lizzie didn’t let the hate win.
Instead, she turned that pain into power.
Over the past decade, she’s become a powerful voice for self-acceptance and positivity. Through her bestselling books, popular YouTube channel, and nationwide speaking tours, Lizzie has touched millions. Her TED Talk has racked up over 13 million views — and counting.
Her message is simple but powerful:
You are enough.
No matter what the world says, it is possible to love and accept yourself exactly as you are — from the inside out.
