While scrolling through social media one day, I stumbled upon a post featuring a sumo wrestler alongside the caption, “OMG, I’ve gained like 400 pounds in 4 days.” I rolled my eyes and hoped that was the end of it, but to my dismay, more posts followed, mocking weight gain and celebrating binge-eating habits. It was as if the global pandemic faded away, replaced by a collective panic about potential weight gain during self-quarantine.
This obsession with weight seemed to overshadow more pressing issues, like the suffering caused by the pandemic. I thought about those with eating disorders, the chronically ill, and struggling families who are facing far graver concerns than fitting into their jeans. Why are we fixating on weight loss supplements and calorie counting when a life-altering virus is on the loose?
It’s understandable to feel helpless in these uncertain times, and focusing on something like the number on a scale might seem like a way to regain control. But this isn’t the time for that.
During my struggles with restrictive eating and body dysmorphia, I was blind to the harmful fat-shaming messages that permeated our culture. I thought weight loss was the solution, failing to recognize that many people in larger bodies face constant prejudice and discrimination. Now, after overcoming my eating disorder and embracing body acceptance, I’m more aware of the pervasive fatphobia that exists.
It’s much easier to identify overt discrimination, like racist or sexist remarks, than to spot comments that perpetuate fatphobia. These remarks contribute to a culture that unfairly judges individuals based on their appearance. It’s exhausting to see people criticized for their bodies, especially during a time when compassion should reign.
I’ve found it imperative to speak up against the harmful narrative that weight gain equates to worthlessness or health problems. You have every right to reject the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards, especially during a pandemic. If your jeans don’t fit right now, buy a new pair and embrace your body as it is. If you want to move, do it for joy, not for weight loss. Take a break from tracking your fitness if it’s causing you stress, and focus on nourishing your spirit instead.
The truth is, your value is inherent and not tied to your weight. Studies indicate that both thin and fat individuals with high blood pressure have similar risks for heart attacks, and many classified as “medically obese” are actually metabolically healthy. Don’t let the insurance companies or wellness industries dictate your self-worth based on outdated measures like BMI.
Our society’s obsession with an unrealistic body ideal is a mental health crisis in itself, often leading to eating disorders. The National Eating Disorders Association highlights that the glorification of thinness is a major factor in the development of these issues. We must stop contributing to this harmful culture by joking about binge-eating and pressuring ourselves or others to lose weight.
Let’s allow for natural fluctuations that come with being human and remember that our worth has always been within us. You don’t need to earn it through dieting or excessive exercise. So stay home, wash your hands, and take care of yourself without the burden of societal expectations.
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In summary, let’s prioritize mental well-being over societal pressures, particularly during these challenging times. You are enough as you are, and your worth doesn’t hinge on a number on the scale.