As we return to more in-person interactions and office work, the comfort of our pandemic attire—think stretchy pants and roomy tees—starts to fade away. The reality check of trying on real pants can be shocking, especially if you’ve noticed some changes in your body (you know, the so-called “quarantine 15”). But let’s take a moment to celebrate the fact that we’ve survived a global pandemic. We all deserve a round of applause—and perhaps a brownie or two—for that achievement.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the superficial comments about weight gain, it’s important to remember there are countless more pressing matters to discuss. It’s baffling that amidst the chaos of the past few years, the focus shifts to our bodies instead of our resilience. The diet industry is always ready to pounce on our insecurities, especially after such an unprecedented global event. You can’t escape weight loss ads no matter where you turn—TV, YouTube, or radio. Honestly, I’m not here for it.
Let’s Put an End to the “Quarantine 15” Mentality
Once upon a time, remarks about my body would leave me in tears. But now? I feel anger instead. Why do some people feel entitled to comment on my appearance? I remember hearing the term “quarantine 15” last summer, and I was furious. We were only months into a pandemic, and suddenly, weight gain was the big concern?
Focusing on aesthetics during such a trying time is a prime example of toxic diet culture. Who cares about losing weight when the survival of our mental and emotional health is at stake? It sounds absurd when you think about it. The world feels chaotic, and people are looking for something—anything—to control. Unfortunately, those who promote diet culture exploit this vulnerability instead of emphasizing self-acceptance and mental well-being.
We’ve been conditioned to prepare for swimsuit season or to adhere to meal plans for compliments. But whether someone’s comments about your weight are meant to motivate or not, they’re irrelevant. Your body is your own, and no one else needs to weigh in.
Who Asked for Your Opinion?
I recently received a supposedly concerned comment: “Are you okay? It seems like you’ve just let yourself go.” While it was cloaked in concern, I call foul. Did I ask for your unsolicited opinion on my body? No, I did not. If you genuinely want to know how I’m doing, just ask me about my well-being—nothing else.
This is a loaded question for many, especially for those with a history of body image issues. Why can’t we normalize avoiding comments on others’ bodies? We live in a society that ties our worth to our physical appearance, making it tough to break the habit of addressing weight.
Let’s eliminate phrases like “quarantine 15” from our vocabulary, along with others like “freshman 15” or “baby weight.” If someone dares to ask why you’ve “let yourself go,” you can let them know about a foolproof method to shed weight—it’s called dropping them from your life.
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Summary
In a world where external comments about our bodies can feel invasive and unwarranted, it’s essential to prioritize mental health and self-acceptance. The emphasis on weight gain during a global crisis is both misguided and harmful. By rejecting harmful phrases and focusing on our well-being instead, we can foster a more supportive environment for ourselves and others.
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