This week on ‘Real Housewives of Orange County,’ we were treated to the usual drama, from the infamous Tucson Bell-gate of 2019 to the heartfelt apologies exchanged between Kelly Dodd and Vicki Gunvalson after a chaotic dinner filled with emotions (and perhaps too much wine). However, amidst the predictable moments, a poignant segment featuring Emily Thompson discussing her struggles with weight gain emerged, striking a deep chord with viewers—including myself.
The episode kicks off with Kelly, sporting her trademark bold-red lipstick, catching up with old college friends as they reminisce about their wild youth in Phoenix-Scottsdale. Meanwhile, her brother, Eric, sends her a text message to apologize for past disputes.
Next, we see Shannon Beador experimenting with new recipes for her healthy frozen meal line, using Gina, Emily, and Vicki as taste testers. They seem to enjoy the meals, but the tone shifts as Gina reiterates her ongoing struggles this year, even lamenting being stood up by Emily’s cousin due to a broken toe.
While much of the episode can be skipped, don’t miss the scene at Tamra and Eddie Judge’s gym where Emily, with tears brimming in her eyes, hesitantly steps on the scale. “You don’t have to look at it, I don’t have to look at it, he has to look at it,” Tamra says, directing her comment at Eddie. He proceeds to explain the details the scale reveals—total weight, body fat percentage, and lean muscle mass.
Emily admits she hasn’t weighed herself in eight or nine months, stating, “I’ve been avoiding knowing any of this information. I’ve just been living in denial. I don’t know if I want to know.” In a later confessional, she candidly shares, “If I don’t know, then I don’t have to address it.”
Earlier, Emily confided in her husband, Mark, and Gina about facing some weight-related health issues. Surprisingly, she sought advice from Tamra and Eddie, despite their previous body-shaming comments directed at her.
Tamra’s behavior in the gym was equally troubling, such as her judgmental response to Emily’s coffee order and her on-camera declaration that Emily is obese. When Eddie reveals Emily’s weight to be around 190 pounds (notably higher than the average American woman’s weight of 170), Emily responds with sadness, saying, “It’s really sad to me that I weigh that much.”
Should Emily’s weight have been a focal point? As she previously noted, “Great bodies come in all shapes and sizes! The most important thing is to work on your health and carry yourself with confidence.” This is exactly why we need more representation of Emily—an intelligent and confident woman—on our screens. What we don’t need are her castmates openly critiquing her on national television, making her feel as if she’s in the morbidly obese category when she’s not.
The fact that this storyline resonates with so many underscores the issue. Emily’s emotional journey is relatable, and it’s disheartening that any woman would feel devastated by a number on a scale. This is something we must change.
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In summary, this episode of ‘RHOC’ tackled the sensitive topic of weight gain through Emily’s heartfelt revelations. While the show can often be filled with drama and trivial conflicts, Emily’s story highlights a significant struggle that many viewers can relate to—making it not only impactful but also a call for more understanding and compassion.