The quarantine period has become a breeding ground for body shaming. My social media feeds and messages are flooded with articles warning me about the dreaded “quarantine fifteen,” as if staying at home might somehow inflate my waistline. It’s baffling how some folks assume I’m eager for advice on how to avoid gaining weight when I haven’t expressed any concern about it whatsoever.
This isn’t anything new. Fat individuals face scrutiny every single day. Even when no one is saying something directly to me, I can’t escape the constant disparagement of fat bodies that seems to permeate our culture. Right now, it’s just a bit more draining than usual.
With the world turned upside down—no family visits, no birthday parties for my kids, no holiday celebrations, no shopping, and no leaving home unless it’s an absolute emergency—what I truly need is a barrage of diet tips? Sure, let’s sprinkle in some “motivational” fitness memes while we’re at it, because using fatness as a punchline is always so fresh and creative, right?
People seem to think that mentioning the “quarantine fifteen” is somehow different from outright fat-shaming. Well, you can keep your list of weight management hacks to yourself because I refuse to let anyone use this pandemic as an excuse to shame me for my body.
It’s absurd that our obsession with weight continues even as we navigate a global health crisis. COVID-19 is wreaking havoc, but apparently, the real catastrophe would be gaining weight.
Even in this chaotic time, there’s no reprieve from the incessant reminders that fat people should always be dieting—and now is the time to ramp it up, right? As if we aren’t already juggling working from home, homeschooling our kids, and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy without our usual support systems.
Let me be clear: changing eating or exercise habits isn’t inherently bad. If focusing on food and movement helps you regain a sense of control without harming your mental health, that’s great. Many find that physical activity releases endorphins that help them cope. I support everyone doing what they need to survive this challenging time. Just don’t assume that every fat person is itching to hear about your new juice cleanse or daily squat challenge just because of their size.
Unless someone explicitly asks for your advice, fat bodies aren’t your concern, and we don’t need saving. We’re the experts on our own bodies, and you have no clue how we’re managing our health—especially since we can’t meet up to discuss it. Remember, we’re in SELF-ISOLATION to combat a deadly virus.
Could we all agree to refrain from reminding fat people that we’re not considered acceptable unless we’re actively trying to change our bodies? Food is often a central part of celebrations and memories, especially during these isolating times. Eating something delicious just because it brings joy is perfectly fine. We all need a little comfort right now, and that includes food, regardless of our size.
The world has transformed in ways we’ve never experienced before. Maintaining social distance and isolation is tough. Even as a homebody, I find myself feeling a profound void. I miss my loved ones deeply, and celebrating special occasions without family and friends is heartbreaking. The economic landscape is fragile, and many are suffering. It’s a lot to bear.
So, if I end up a few pounds heavier after this quarantine, so be it. I’ll address that—if I even choose to—when life returns to normal. For now, let’s focus on what really matters and what we can control, and leave the unsolicited weight loss advice behind.
If you’re interested in more insights on navigating these challenging times, check out this blog post. Also, for authoritative information on fertility, visit Make a Mom for their resources. For those seeking support in pregnancy and home insemination, this site offers excellent guidance.
Summary:
The article discusses the pervasive body shaming that has intensified during quarantine, emphasizing that unsolicited diet tips are inappropriate and unwanted. It highlights the importance of focusing on mental health and personal well-being rather than external pressures to conform to societal beauty standards, especially during such a tumultuous time.
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