Embracing Body Diversity: The Truth About Dieting and Weight

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Living with a chronic condition, like psoriasis, can be challenging. I’ve dealt with it since childhood and recently started a new injectable treatment. While looking for positive stories related to my skin condition, I came across a video of a man sharing his journey with a “psoriasis diet.” His experience was striking, not just for the diet’s impact on his skin but for his emotional struggle. He highlighted how the strict regimen improved his psoriasis, yet the all-consuming nature of it pushed him to choose a more balanced life instead.

As a person living in a larger body, I found his realization of prioritizing a fulfilling life over a restrictive diet to be glaringly obvious—something I wish was universally understood. Dieting can be a mental and emotional burden, particularly for those of us who feel the weight of society’s beauty standards. It’s exhausting to constantly compare ourselves to unrealistic ideals.

I recognize that I could adhere to a stringent diet and lose weight. I could dedicate myself to intense workouts and reshape my body. Yet, the motivation behind such choices often stems from self-criticism and societal pressure, leading to a cycle of disordered eating. Many assume that because it’s possible for me to lose weight, I should be on a constant diet until I meet a socially acceptable size. This expectation disregards the fact that dieting can be a significant strain on mental health—a reality often dismissed as laziness or excuses.

Interestingly, there was a time when people showed compassion towards my dietary restrictions. During my pregnancy, I developed gestational diabetes and had to limit my food intake for the sake of my health and my baby’s. At that moment, my dietary limitations were seen as justified, and I received support from those around me. Yet, when it comes to being a larger person in good health, the narrative shifts drastically. Society seems to struggle with the idea that a fat person might choose to live without the pressure of dieting.

For years, I battled my body, always on a diet and feeling guilty if I indulged in a meal without counting calories. Despite my efforts, I never reached the weight that society deemed acceptable. Eventually, I decided to try embracing my body instead of fighting against it. Surprisingly, I didn’t gain weight as I had feared; in fact, my weight fluctuates similarly to when I was dieting.

While I still occasionally diet, I’ve learned to appreciate my body for what it is. However, living in a culture obsessed with thinness makes it challenging to resist the temptation to pursue weight loss. The fleeting joy of seeing the scale decrease can be addicting, but it often leads to an unsustainable lifestyle—one that many of us find exhausting.

It’s essential to remember that a person’s health and choices cannot be judged solely based on their appearance. If you know someone who seems to neglect their health or “let themselves go,” consider giving them space and respect. Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and no one owes society an explanation for their body size or their choices regarding it.

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