If you’ve been active on social media, you may have noticed that when someone who identifies as overweight expresses positivity about their body, the responses can be as predictable as a daytime soap opera. Amid supportive comments and meaningful discussions about our unique experiences, there are always individuals who completely misinterpret the message. To help clarify for those who might be missing the point, I’ve put together a list of what I am NOT implying when I say that I am overweight:
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I’m Healthy.
Oh, please, enough already. When I mention that I am overweight and also happy, I’m not making a statement about my health status. Why do people feel the need to bring out the “Health Police,” insisting that being overweight is inherently unhealthy? Trust me, we’re aware of the potential health implications. We have medical professionals for that.
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Everyone Should Join Me in Being Overweight.
Following the Health Police, the Self-Appointed Role Model Brigade soon appears, accusing joyful overweight individuals of promoting their “condition” and encouraging others to disregard their health. Seriously? Acknowledging my own body does not mean I’m advocating for anyone else to gain weight, nor will I pretend to be unhappy to make others feel more comfortable.
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I Want to Stay Overweight.
When I say I am overweight, it doesn’t mean I am committed to remaining that way. It’s not my responsibility to share my medical background or weight loss efforts for you to judge whether I have a valid reason for my size. My personal journey is mine alone, and I don’t owe anyone an explanation.
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I Can’t Change It.
Trust me, I get it. I know that weight loss is an option, just as you know it’s challenging. When I express that I am overweight, I’m not claiming I lack the ability to change it, but I am entitled to celebrate the body I currently inhabit.
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Only Overweight Individuals Struggle With Body Image.
While I endure a lot of negativity because of my body, I understand that this experience isn’t exclusive to overweight individuals. People of all sizes grapple with feelings of rejection, insecurity, and unattractiveness. By saying I am overweight, I’m not suggesting that those who are thin don’t have their own body image struggles.
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My Body Is Open to Criticism.
A simple acknowledgment of my size doesn’t give anyone permission to critique my body negatively. Before you voice an unkind comment about my appearance, consider why it’s so important for you to convey your dislike. Your inclination to insult a stranger reflects more on you than it does on me. Body shaming, regardless of size, is unacceptable. Just don’t do it.
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I Think I’m Unattractive.
Stating that I am overweight is not an admission of ugliness. I may not always find every aspect of myself beautiful, but on good days, I appreciate my features—like my expressive eyes, well-shaped eyebrows, and strong legs. You don’t need to reassure me of my beauty; I feel it. I don’t equate being overweight with being unattractive—neither for myself nor for others.
So what am I really saying? It’s not a complex message or a secret code. When I assert that I can be happy in my body, even if it’s not the stereotypical ideal, I’m simply declaring my existence and embracing who I am. Being overweight doesn’t have to equate to misery. And if you’re struggling with self-acceptance, remember: happiness is attainable for you too.
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Summary
This article clarifies common misconceptions people make when someone identifies as overweight. It emphasizes that expressing happiness in one’s body does not imply that the individual is making statements about health, encouraging others to gain weight, or remaining in their current state. It advocates for acceptance and understanding of body image issues across all sizes.