We tend to celebrate or glorify weight loss because we assume that it is always intentional, that it is everyone’s biggest goal in life, that it is the ultimate goal to attain self-love and improved self-esteem, and that once achieved, everything will fall into place and life will automatically be amazing. On the other hand, we criticize or “feel shame” towards weight gain because we assume that it is undesired, that it has happened as a response to a depressive episode, and that only people who don’t care about themselves are unhappy to go through that.
The problem here relies on the fact that we ASSUME. We believe that our perception of reality or the little pieces of information that others decide to share with the world are absolute truths. So, if I perceive you are looking skinny and happy in an Instagram post, the “absolute truth” is that you are so happy because you look amazing. After all, you lost some kilograms. And if someone else tells me, “I gained a couple of pounds,” then the “absolute truth” is that they “admitted” this to me because they are embarrassed by “not taking care of themselves.”
As you can already guess, that is not reality nor the absolute truth.
Humans are complex beings. Our circumstances or contexts are determined by various factors that may or may not be under our control. Someone’s weight loss can result from an illness or a traumatic experience. Others’ weight gain can be an act of self-love or a necessary step to achieve better health. We never know what someone else is going through. We only see what they decide to share or the outer shell of their being. Let’s not undermine the value of everyone’s trajectories through life and their internal battles by ASSUMING. A number on a scale should not be a topic of speculation or conversation because it does not define us.
There is more to you, me, and everyone else than meets the eye. Let us never forget that.
Take care and stay healthy Brilliant Minds!
— Andrea
