Hilary Duff's strategy of further disconnecting herself from "Lizzie McGuire" involved more than just picking some more adult-oriented roles. In 2022, She took a cue from a few other former child stars such as Miley Cyrus and Melissa Joan Hart and took part in a nude photo spread. But Duff made it clear that baring all for Women's Health was more than just a career decision, but rather a way to bring attention to the body insecurities she faced in the past, including eating disorders. While hardly graphic, her unfettered epidermic canvas was a testament to how she had succeeded in learning to love and accept herself. "I'm proud of my body," she said to Women's Health. "I'm proud that it's produced three children for me. I've gotten to a place of being peaceful with the changes my body has gone through."
Critics pointed out how Duff was praised for her images, while Britney Spears got trashed for posting her own Instagram nudes at roughly the same time. Much of the criticism directed at Spears appeared to be based on how the images were undignified and embarrassing for a mom of two teen sons. On Twitter, one user pointed out that Duff's photoshoot also missed the mark of its intended message, writing, "No shade to Hilary Duff, who looks incredible, but how is a conventionally thin and attractive woman with a post-baby six-pack redefining anything in Hollywood?"
