As I was scrolling through my social media feed one day, I stumbled upon a post featuring a sumo wrestler alongside the caption, “OMG, I’ve gained like 400 pounds in 4 days.” My reaction was a simple eye roll; I hoped that would be the end of it. Unfortunately, I was mistaken.
More posts followed, filled with jokes about tight pants after just a month of quarantine, indulgent cheese binges, and the relentless pursuit of the “10 Push Up” challenge as if it were a life-or-death situation. For a brief moment, I forgot about the pandemic wreaking havoc across the globe. Instead, I found myself immersed in a different crisis—one where many people seem terrified at the thought of gaining weight while in self-quarantine and are struggling to cope with that fear.
As I continued to scroll, I thought about the countless individuals of various sizes who struggle with eating disorders daily. I reflected on those who, like me, haven’t gained weight due to overeating but face societal pressure nonetheless. I considered the chronically ill and disabled who are confined to their homes, as well as the parents grappling with poverty, who are far more concerned with providing for their families than worrying about their weight.
So why are people obsessing over weight loss supplements or calorie counts during a time when a life-altering virus is spreading? One possible reason is that, in the face of overwhelming helplessness regarding global events, many of us latch onto something seemingly manageable, like the number on a scale. But just because we can focus on it doesn’t mean we should.
In my younger years, I was entangled in a web of restrictive eating, diet pill dependency, and body dysmorphia. I wouldn’t have thought twice about the fat jokes that circulated during holiday gatherings or the magazine covers pushing the “perfect summer body” in February. I was deep in self-loathing and saw these shame-inducing messages as motivation to lose more weight. I was oblivious to the fact that individuals in larger bodies often face a lack of acceptance and respect.
Fatphobia is a pervasive issue that I’ve come to understand more deeply since healing from my eating disorder and experiencing weight gain through motherhood. Recognizing fatphobia is often more challenging than identifying blatant discrimination, yet it’s everywhere and only serves to create an environment where some are judged harshly for their appearance. I am tired of people being unfairly critiqued based on how they look.
When I committed to embracing my body a few years ago, I anticipated some backlash for loving my larger frame without the need to change it. However, I underestimated the lengths to which people would go to assert that larger individuals are bound to suffer dire health consequences. With a real-life pandemic affecting us all, it’s time to amplify the message of body acceptance.
Here’s your permission to stop pursuing your worth through weight loss. You don’t have to succumb to diet culture, especially if it jeopardizes your mental health. So what if your favorite jeans don’t fit right now? Buy a new pair, embrace your body, and occupy your space. If you feel like moving your body, do it for the joy of movement, not for weight loss. Ditch the fitness tracker if it’s bringing you down, binge-watch your favorite shows, enjoy the fresh air when you can, and eat what nourishes and comforts you. And if you’re dealing with an eating disorder that has resurfaced during lockdown, be kind to yourself.
Research shows that the narrative equating weight gain with health risks is often misleading. For every study linking obesity to shorter lifespans, there are counter-studies proving otherwise. For example, individuals classified as “medically obese” can still be metabolically healthy. Furthermore, BMI is an inaccurate measure of overall health. For more information on this topic, you can check out excellent resources like Science Daily.
We live in a society obsessed with an unattainable body ideal that most cannot realistically achieve. This cultural obsession with thinness has contributed to a mental health crisis far more pressing than the so-called war on obesity. The National Eating Disorders Association states that the glorification of thinness is a leading cause of eating disorders. Yet many continue to succumb to diet culture, even during a pandemic.
Let’s put an end to this madness. We have enough on our plates without adding unrealistic expectations about our bodies. During this time of lockdown and beyond, let’s stop forcing ourselves—and each other—to prioritize weight loss. Let’s refrain from making jokes about binge eating when many struggle with eating disorders. And let’s acknowledge that weight fluctuations are a normal part of being human.
Your worth has always existed within you. It cannot be found in a diet or hours spent exercising. It is not diminished by a day spent in sweats on the couch. You don’t have to chase an illusion of worth dictated by societal standards. So please—stay home, wash your hands, and give yourself a break.
For more insights, you can check out this Home Insemination Kit article that delves into related topics.
Summary
In a time of global uncertainty, the pressure to lose weight is more prevalent than ever, with many people expressing fears about gaining weight during quarantine. However, it’s crucial to remember that our worth is not determined by our size. Society’s obsession with thinness can lead to negative mental health outcomes and perpetuate fatphobia. Instead, we should focus on self-acceptance and prioritize our mental well-being over unrealistic body ideals.
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