You Say I’ve Given Up on Myself — Who Even Asked?

With the return of in-person interactions and office work, we’re saying goodbye to the comfort of our beloved stretchy pants and oversized tees, all those pandemic fashion staples we came to cherish. Seriously, nothing makes you more aware of your changing body—often dubbed the “quarantine 15”—than slipping into actual pants. Yet, let’s remember, we’ve navigated a global pandemic and deserve all the credit (and maybe some actual brownies) for just making it through.

While we should be celebrating our resilience during these challenging times, there will always be those who can’t resist commenting on what’s arguably the least significant issue: our weight. There are countless more pressing matters than the quarantine 15 (or maybe even 20 or 30). Why is weight even part of the discussion? Here I am, addressing this nonsense.

It’s worth noting that those who make such comments are often influenced by the diet industry, which preys on every insecurity we have about our bodies, especially after a global upheaval that shook the world. Whether it’s through TV ads, social media, or radio spots, weight loss programs are pushed at us relentlessly. And quite frankly, I’m not buying into it.

Let’s Leave the “Quarantine 15” Behind

To be honest, comments about my body used to leave me in tears (albeit only when I was alone). But after the past year, my reaction has shifted to anger. Why is your opinion on my body so important to you? When I first heard the term “quarantine 15” last summer, I was furious. We had just been through a few months of the pandemic, and there was no time to waste worrying about weight gain.

Obsessing over our physical appearance amidst a global crisis is the epitome of toxic diet culture. Who cares about losing weight when we should be focused on our mental and emotional well-being? With everything feeling so chaotic, it’s no wonder people are desperate for something to control. Unfortunately, the diet industry capitalizes on this vulnerability instead of promoting self-acceptance. Shocking, right?

We’ve all heard the pressure to get “swim season ready” or to follow some meal plan so our friends will compliment us on our looks. Whether these comments are meant to inspire or are well-intentioned, the truth is: your body is solely your business. No commentary is necessary.

Who Needs Your Opinion?

Recently, I received a comment cloaked in concern that went something like, “Is everything okay? You seem like you’ve let yourself go.” While it may seem caring, I call BS. First of all, did I ask for your opinion on my appearance? Absolutely not. So why do you feel entitled to share it?

If you genuinely want to know how I’m doing, just ask me if I’m okay—no need to bring my weight into it. There are countless ways to inquire about my well-being without mentioning my body. Given my own struggles with body image and disordered eating, this question feels loaded. But why don’t we normalize not commenting on others’ bodies? We live in a world that equates our worth with our looks, and breaking that habit is easier said than done.

Let’s eliminate phrases like “quarantine 15” from our vocabulary, along with other harmful terms like freshman 15 or baby weight. If someone dares to ask why you’ve “let yourself go,” remind them of a simple, effective way to shed negativity—it’s called distancing yourself from toxic people.

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Summary:

The pressure to conform to societal beauty standards, especially in light of the “quarantine 15,” is a reflection of toxic diet culture that we should challenge. Instead, we should prioritize our mental and emotional well-being, and normalize discussions that don’t revolve around body image.