By: Amanda Johnson
This country is fanatic over diets and weight-loss schemes. Sure, health and fitness are important. But, how far do we allow this image of the ‘ideal’ body affect not only our views of others, but our views of ourselves?
For me, personally, gaining weight added an entirely new dimension in my life that I wasn’t prepared for:
Fewer clothing options. I can’t shop at most mainline stores. As far as the department stores that carry plus, rest assured it will be made with spandex and have no shape.
Whether I am eating something healthy or something fattening- my choices are scrutinized. “That’s why she’s fat. Look at her eat that burger.” “Salad- are you dieting? I wasn’t prepared for the rude waitress to roll her eyes at me when I requested more sauce, but didn’t do anything when my thin friend requested the same thing.
I was most unprepared for how my health would be perceived and my health care would change. Did you know every symptom, including sinus problems, can somehow be attributed to weight? (sarcasm). I can go to the doctor for a strep test and then be required to do blood work to make sure my blood sugar and cholesterol is acceptable- and the doctors look surprised when my tests come back normal. Nurses look at me in surprise when they find perfect blood pressure.
Skinny does not equal health.
I’ll say it again.
Skinny does not equal health.
We have let our obsessions with weight loss dismantle our values of health and well-being. My body is mine. Don’t make assumptions about my health. Or my fitness level. Or my diet. Don’t assume I am trying to lose weight. Don’t assume I have no confidence in myself. Don’t make assumptions about me.
Stop fat shaming. Stop shaming women’s bodies. Period.
Check out these other great blogs and articles about fat shaming/ body image. They offer a wealth of perspectives that are not often represented. The blog, This Is Thin Privilege offers a multitude of voices from around the world- a definite must read.
http://thisisthinprivilege.tumblr.com/
www.huffingtonpost.com/jes-baker/sex-relationships-fat-girls_b_4453713.html