Influencer breaks down as she reveals she was body shamed during a 'water walk': 'I am really struggling'

A Queensland influencer has broken down in tears after revealing she was body shamed by a stranger while exercising.

Jess Kahler, a body-positive content creator and advocate, recalled the heartbreaking encounter in a tearful Instagram video filmed inside her wardrobe on Monday.

The influencer, who regularly encourages her followers to embrace their bodies, admitted she has recently been struggling with her own self-image.

'I'm a body positive advocate yet I hate my own body, how ironic,' she began.

'I'm having like a little sad girl moment in my closet. I'm really struggling to like anything about my body.'

Jess then revealed what had triggered her emotional state.

'I was water walking and a lady said how horrible my legs looked and I didn't disagree with her. I agreed with her, and this made me feel so sad inside.'

The influencer became increasingly emotional as she struggled to continue speaking.

'Sorry, I have to keep pausing 'cause I'm crying so much,' she said, adding: 'I guess I just wanted to share this because everything just looks perfect online and I could just keep posting perfect photos but I am really struggling.'

'And it's something I've battled for years, is liking my body, loving my body, treating my body nicely.'

The clip ended with a written message to fans explaining that she had to stop the video because she was 'crying too much'. 

'That lady's comment really broke me,' she wrote, adding: 'If you see someone trying their best to move their body, please don't comment. You don't know how much it took to get there - or the damage your words can leave.'

Water walking is a low-impact form of aquatic exercise that can help build strength and improve cardiovascular fitness while placing less stress on the joints. 

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Jess clarified that the incident took place at a public pool that she regularly attends to practice her water walking. 

'It was a very brief interaction, and I was having a very hard body day and was so shocked that she said it to me, so I just said, "Yes they do and kept walking."'

Despite the horrific exchange, Jess has remained firm in her resolve to improve her mobility.

'I will continue to do my water walking, it's what my doctor has recommended and for my health. I want to continue so my knees don't hurt and I can run a 5km race next year,' she said. 

'Unfortunately this is a normal occurrence and something I experience quite often.'

In her post's caption, Jess continued to open up about her long-running struggle with body image.

'If you see someone trying their best to exercise, please don't comment. You don't know how much your words might affect them, or how long they'll carry them for,' she wrote.

'I've struggled with loving my body my entire life. It's a huge reason why I'm so passionate about speaking kindly and positively about yourself, and why I'm such a strong advocate for body acceptance.'

'But lately, I've been struggling so much. Sorry for the crying - I'm just a natural crier anytime I talk about anything upsetting.'

Her vulnerable admission prompted an outpouring of support from her followers, many of whom urged her not to let the stranger's cruel remark affect how she viewed herself.

'Don't let her ugly soul take away your sparkle. You are beautiful inside and out,' one person wrote.

'I'm so sorry this happened to you. Sending you lots of love and positive vibes,' another added.

'I really don't understand what goes through people's heads that feels the need to say that?? Such a reflection of insecurity. Keep being your confident, hottest self because we love you,' a third commented.

Yet another follower wrote: 'Projection of insecurity at its worst! You deserve to love yourself at every point of your life. You are so beautiful and so loved.'

Jess's emotional video comes as she continues to use her social media platform to promote body acceptance and encourage her followers to be kinder to themselves.