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You see it everywhere. “Want to shed those extra pounds?” “Contact me for your ideal summer shape!” “Join our gym today with no enrollment fees!” Who else is tired of this nonsense? Sure, I may have put on a few pounds over the past year, but I don’t need constant reminders. When I reflect on my weight gain, I think about spending a year at home with four kids. We shared countless moments baking treats and whipping up amazing meals together. And you know what? I’m proud to be alive, regardless of the changes to my body.
Every day, I’m bombarded with commercials promoting diets, plans, shakes, and pills. It’s overwhelming. Women are not encouraged to appreciate their curves, stretch marks, and imperfections. Instead, we’re conditioned to loathe our bodies. The diet culture that has emerged over the years is alarming. Recent statistics indicate that 49% of Americans have tried some form of diet, with 56% of women admitting to dieting. Those figures are staggering. Why? Because society propagates the idea that thinness equals beauty. If your body doesn’t fit into a narrow mold, you’re deemed less worthy. It’s a distorted and harmful narrative.
We’re constantly inundated with images of flawless individuals setting unrealistic standards for our appearance. In a world obsessed with looks, being a regular mom whose body has changed from childbirth seems unacceptable. There’s nothing inherently wrong with having flabby arms or a little belly. The so-called perfect bodies we see are often heavily edited. The moment an unfiltered image of these individuals surfaces, they scramble to control the narrative. Why? Because they too are caught in the trap of comparison. This cycle is vicious and unrelenting.
When will we accept that every body is beautiful? Our bodies have a purpose. They nurture children, lift groceries, and prepare meals for loved ones. They aren’t meant to be perfect; they’re designed to be functional. Yet, our culture has lost sight of this. Instead, we’re on a relentless quest for improvement. It’s exhausting.
And honestly, it’s incredibly unfair. Why can’t we simply be content with ourselves? Why must we strive for an arbitrary notion of “better”? Will a smaller size bring genuine happiness? Can you still be a loving parent if you wear a size 16? Absolutely, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
According to the Boston Medical Center, “An estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, and Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight loss products.” Yes, billions! From gym memberships to dubious waist-slimming gadgets and weight loss pills, Americans are fixated on becoming something they’re not. And this obsession only seems to grow.
Diet culture—the belief that values thinness over health—is detrimental. Even if you’re perfectly healthy with a little extra weight, you’re often made to feel dissatisfied. You’re expected to chase after smaller sizes, to choose the light salad dressing, to count calories. This is the lifestyle diet culture demands, and many of us are unwittingly participating.
Eating disorders are on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues. According to the New York Times, “The National Eating Disorders Association reported a 41% increase in contacts to its help lines in January 2021 compared to January 2020.” This surge is partly due to increased isolation, depression, and the stigma surrounding pandemic weight gain. Social media, with its mockery of those who gained weight during quarantine, further triggers individuals struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with food. It’s disheartening.
So, what can you do? Avoid falling into the diet culture trap. Don’t lament your weight gain on social media. Steer clear of endless scrolling through weight loss transformation photos. Remember, there’s no miracle diet. No one is going to lose 20 pounds healthily in a week. A pill won’t make you perfect. In fact, you might end up feeling worse because you’ll still be chasing after an impossible ideal. Instead, embrace who you are. Body positivity is empowering. Recognize your beauty every day.
As we emerge from a global pandemic, we’ve faced unimaginable loss over the past year. Many of us have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Our world has changed forever. But if you’re still here, that’s worth celebrating. You might look different now than you did a year ago, but who cares! Rock your body. Enjoy your summer in shorts and swimsuits. Have fun with your kids. Share joyful moments with your partner under the sun. Be grateful! There are far worse things than a few extra pounds.
If you want to lose weight, do it healthily. But if you choose not to, who really cares? You don’t owe anyone a certain body type. You get one shot at life—live it in a body you love. For more on this topic, check out this blog post that provides additional insights, or learn more from this resource on home insemination and pregnancy. For authoritative information on related subjects, this site is also worth visiting.
Summary
Diet culture is pervasive and damaging, leading many to feel dissatisfied with their bodies. Despite societal pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, it’s essential to embrace self-love and body positivity. Celebrate who you are, regardless of your size. Let go of the relentless pursuit of an ideal body and focus on what makes you happy.