Recently, while searching for a wedding card at Target, I stumbled upon a greeting card categorized under “Weight Loss.” I was taken aback—are we really keeping tabs on our friends’ weight journeys now? Curious, I picked up the card, only to find it echoed the harmful standards society imposes on women regarding their bodies.
The message was clear: fat shaming is pervasive, especially aimed at women. The card, brightly colored in pink, depicted a scale with the phrase “Losing Weight and Looking Great.” Inside, it read, “So excited for YOU and the WONDERFUL CHANGES you’re making in your life!” The emphasis on YOU, again in pink, made it evident who this card was targeting. There was no equivalent card for men in a calming blue.
This card implies that a woman’s worth is tied to her size. The underlying message suggests that unless a woman loses weight, she is less deserving of recognition and support. I imagined someone giving this card to a colleague like Jenna, who finally achieved her weight loss goals—perhaps they think now she might finally find love.
Is this just another product of the greeting card industry, creating new “celebrations” and profiting from them? Or is it a reminder that women’s self-worth is often equated with their appearance? After sharing an image of the card in my parenting group, I was met with a flood of agreement. Many expressed that receiving such a card would be hurtful and demeaning. Compliments after a significant weight loss are one thing, but giving a card that equates value to weight is simply wrong.
One member shared her experience of losing over 100 pounds after surgery, noting her father’s responses to her progress were often lukewarm. Another recalled her father’s constant pressure to be “healthy,” which made her feel that his love was conditional on her weight. She remarked, “Part of me doesn’t want to lose weight because it would mean he has to love me as I am.”
As a mother who struggles with her weight, I find solace in the gym at least three times a week. The childcare services provided by my gym allow me to work out without the constant worry of my children’s safety. My motivation for exercising has evolved; it’s about living long enough to see my children grow up and improving my mental health, especially in a world where political tensions can be overwhelming.
Interestingly, another mom mentioned that post-election, she felt less inclined to lose weight, not wanting to conform to societal standards. Instead, she focused on strength training, realizing her journey isn’t about shrinking but empowering herself.
I doubt we’ll ever see a card congratulating men on overcoming erectile dysfunction. Imagine a card that reads “Staying Erect and Ready to Inject,” complete with an equally ridiculous message inside.
What I truly wish to see are cards celebrating the achievements of raising empathetic, thoughtful children who would never think to gift someone a weight loss card.
For more insights on parenting and self-love, check out our blog on the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with your body at Home Insemination Kit and learn about navigating these issues at Intracervical Insemination, a valuable resource on relationships. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent information on pregnancy and related topics.
Summary
The article critiques the existence of a weight loss card found in a greeting card section, highlighting the damaging implications of fat shaming, especially towards women. It discusses personal experiences and the societal pressure surrounding body image, while advocating for more positive messages in greeting cards that celebrate true worth beyond appearance.