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I have a skin condition called psoriasis that I’ve dealt with since childhood. Recently, I decided to take control of it by starting a new injectable treatment. While I was searching for positive perspectives on managing my skin, I stumbled upon a video of a man sharing his experience with various remedies, including a “psoriasis diet” he followed for several months.
What struck me wasn’t the diet itself, but his frustration as he recounted his journey. He explained that although the strict regimen improved his skin significantly, it was all-consuming, ultimately leading him to choose between his diet and living a fulfilling life. His realization, as a person of average weight, seemed profound.
As someone who identifies as fat, I felt a surge of recognition. The emotional turmoil of restricting your diet is challenging for anyone, but when driven by societal pressures regarding body image, it becomes an exhausting battle. It’s a relentless reminder of how our bodies fail to meet societal ideals, which is disheartening—even when you see results.
I know I could adopt a strict calorie deficit and possibly lose weight. I could engage in intense workouts and reshape my body to an extent. However, such changes would likely stem from self-criticism, leading to dissatisfaction. Many believe that because it’s feasible for me to lose weight, I should be on a constant diet until I reach a socially acceptable size.
The difficulty of dieting is often dismissed as laziness or a lack of willpower. People rarely acknowledge that not every diet works for everyone, and what may be effective for one person could be detrimental for another. Fat individuals often lack the understanding and space to express that dieting can control their lives, forcing them to choose between their well-being and societal expectations.
Society expects fat individuals to constantly strive for thinness, and once they achieve it, the pressure to maintain that state is even greater. We are expected to suppress our feelings about the struggle to fit into these norms—never allowed to enjoy food or accept our bodies as they are.
Interestingly, I experienced a time when people empathized with my dietary restrictions. During my third trimester of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Thankfully, I managed to keep my blood sugar levels stable. However, navigating holiday festivities without indulging was tough, yet I felt no guilt because my and my baby’s health depended on it.
It was the only time I felt genuine sympathy from others. People recognized the challenges I faced and offered support. Yet, when it comes to my higher weight, many view it as a choice under my control, making it hard for others to understand that I deserve to be at peace with my body as it is.
Why do people show compassion for those who need to diet due to health issues but expect healthy fat individuals to be on a perpetual diet? Why is it unacceptable to simply accept one’s body, even if just temporarily?
For years, I fought against my body, constantly dieting through my teens and twenties. Each meal was accompanied by guilt, as I worried I was “cheating.” Despite my efforts, I never reached the acceptance I sought. Eventually, I chose to find peace with my body instead of battling against it. Surprisingly, I didn’t gain weight as I feared; I learned that my weight naturally fluctuates, similar to when I was actively dieting.
While I still find myself dieting occasionally, I’ve learned to coexist with my body. However, living in a society obsessed with thinness sometimes makes me question if I should strive for that ideal.
Dieting can initially feel rewarding when the scale tips in your favor, but it can quickly spiral into disordered eating. The pressure to maintain a lifestyle change can feel draining, and I know many others share this exhaustion.
People often overlook the complexities of a fat person’s health and choices based solely on appearance. If you see someone who seems to be “letting themselves go,” remember that mental health matters, too. We owe no one a smaller body or an explanation for our choices.
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Summary
The article emphasizes that fat individuals don’t need to be in a constant cycle of dieting to attain societal beauty standards. It shares personal experiences of navigating dietary restrictions due to health and society’s expectations, highlighting the emotional toll these pressures can take. The piece calls for understanding and compassion toward individuals of all body types, advocating for mental health and self-acceptance over societal approval.