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You see these messages everywhere: “Want to shed that quarantine weight?” “Contact me for your ideal summer physique.” “Sign up for our gym today with no enrollment fees!” Who else is tired of this nonsense? Sure, I might have put on a few extra pounds over the past year, but I don’t need constant reminders. When I reflect on my weight gain, I think about being cooped up at home with four kids for an entire year. We spent quality time together, indulging in baking sweet treats and preparing delicious meals. And honestly? I couldn’t care less about what that did to my body. I’m just grateful to be here.
Every day, I’m bombarded with ads promoting diets, meal plans, shakes, and pills. It’s exhausting. Women are seldom encouraged to appreciate their curves, stretch marks, and imperfections. Instead, we’re conditioned to dislike our bodies. The prevalence of diet culture is alarming; recent statistics indicate that nearly half of Americans are on some sort of diet, with 56% of women admitting to it. It’s a staggering reality. Why? Because we’ve been led to believe that thinner is synonymous with better. You’re only considered beautiful if you fit into a narrow, smaller category. It’s utterly distorted and misguided.
We’re inundated with images of seemingly flawless people setting unrealistic standards for how we should look. We live in an image-obsessed society where the average mom, whose body has adapted to bring children into the world, is seen as unacceptable. It’s as if having a little extra skin or a fuller belly is something to be ashamed of. Those perfect bodies aren’t real; they’re often altered with Photoshop and filters. When an unedited image of one of these “perfect” individuals surfaces, they scramble to control the narrative. Why? Because they, too, are caught in the comparison trap, and this cycle affects everyone who sees their photos online. It’s a never-ending loop.
When will we recognize and celebrate the notion that all bodies are beautiful? Our bodies fulfill essential roles: they nurture children, carry groceries, and prepare meals for loved ones. They aren’t meant to be perfect; they’re meant to be functional. Unfortunately, our culture has lost sight of this reality. Instead, we’re constantly striving for an unattainable ideal, and it’s exhausting.
And you know what? It’s incredibly unfair. Why can’t we simply be content with ourselves? Why must we conform to someone else’s idea of better? Will happiness really come from a smaller dress size? Can you still be a wonderful parent and have your kids love you even if you wear a larger size? Absolutely! There’s nothing wrong with that.
According to the Boston Medical Center, around 45 million Americans go on a diet each year, spending a staggering $33 billion on weight loss products. Yes, billions! This includes everything from gym memberships to questionable waist-slimming gadgets and pills that might just cause digestive distress. Americans are obsessively trying to become something they’re not, and it’s only getting worse.
Diet culture — the mindset that prioritizes thinness over health and wellness — is detrimental. Even if you’re healthy with a little extra weight, you’re made to feel like you should be dissatisfied. It’s considered better to be sick and slender than to embrace a fuller figure. There’s pressure to squeeze into smaller pants and opt for lighter dressings. The expectation is to count calories and impose restrictions on ourselves. That’s the life diet culture promotes, and you may even find yourself unwittingly conforming to it.
Eating disorders are on the rise, with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. As reported by the New York Times, the National Eating Disorders Association noted a 41% surge in calls to their helplines in January 2021 compared to the previous year. This rise can be attributed, in part, to increased isolation, depression, and social media’s negative portrayal of pandemic-related weight gain. Mocking individuals for gaining weight during a challenging time only exacerbates the struggles of those battling with food and health. It’s disheartening.
So, what should you do? Resist the allure of diet culture. Don’t bemoan your weight gain on social media. Avoid spending hours scrolling through before-and-after weight loss photos on Instagram. Remember, no miraculous diet exists. No one can healthily lose 20 pounds in a week. A pill won’t make you perfect; in fact, you might end up feeling worse while continuing to chase after an elusive ideal. Instead, embrace who you are. Body positivity is empowering. Recognize that you are beautiful every single day.
As we emerge from a global pandemic, there’s been immense loss over the past year. Many of us have lost family and friends to COVID-19. Our world has irrevocably changed. But if you’re still here, you should celebrate that. You may look different a year later, but who cares? Rock your body! Enjoy summertime in shorts and swimsuits. Have fun with your kids. Share kisses with your partner under the sun. Be thankful! There are far worse things than a few extra pounds.
If you wish to lose weight, do so in a healthy manner. But if you don’t, who cares? You don’t owe anyone a transformation. You only get one life, so live it in a body you love.
This article is part of our ongoing exploration of body positivity and self-acceptance. For more insights, check out this related post on our other blog. If you’re looking for more information on the topic, visit this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
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