A Resounding No to the Weight Loss Industry

Yesterday, I checked my inbox and found a message from a PR representative promoting a so-called “weight care” program. The email was overflowing with paragraphs proclaiming how different their plan was from typical diets, insisting that it was science-backed and free of judgment. They emphasized a holistic approach to “weight care,” claiming to focus more on improving health metrics like cholesterol and blood pressure rather than merely shedding pounds. It sounded revolutionary, and they were convinced I would want to share this miraculous plan with my audience.

However, my instincts were on high alert due to the abundance of diet culture jargon in the email. To confirm my suspicions, I clicked on the link and completed a brief health survey to see what they would suggest for me.

Ten minutes later, I discovered that their “holistic, science-based, revolutionary plan” for me was a prescription for weight loss medications. I felt like Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada.” “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.”

Typically, I ignore these kinds of promotions, but this time I replied that I would not be a suitable advocate for any intentional weight loss program and suggested they look elsewhere. Because honestly, my sentiment toward the weight loss industry is a resounding NO.

Especially now, as a significant number of Americans report weight gain during the pandemic, the weight loss industry is poised to take advantage. They’re eager to make up for the losses incurred when people couldn’t attend meetings, hit the gym, or pay exorbitant amounts for supplements and foods that are essentially just overpriced multivitamins and calorie deficits.

Many of us gained weight because we were confined at home during a deadly pandemic, witnessing nearly 600,000 Americans lose their lives to an unfamiliar virus. Our children have been navigating a bizarre school experience, either learning from home or in unusual settings. If we indulged a little more, exercised a little less, or found joy in cooking and trying new recipes, SO WHAT?!

As we transition back to our regular routines, many of us will naturally revert to our pre-pandemic weights. I’ve been losing weight these past couple of months because, after getting fully vaccinated, I felt more comfortable venturing out for non-essential reasons. I resumed doctor visits and got back on medication for my polycystic ovarian syndrome. My body is returning to its pre-pandemic weight alongside my pre-pandemic habits.

It turns out that weight fluctuation is perfectly normal.

Now, let’s talk about that diet industry. I remain utterly repulsed by the multi-billion-dollar weight loss market. They hide behind euphemisms like health, wellness, and lifestyle change to convince you that your well-being hinges on handing over your money. They reduce health to a mere number on a scale, promoting dangerous practices such as starvation, excessive exercise, and unregulated supplements. They create “communities” designed to motivate you to stick with their program, leading to ever-increasing spending. The ratio of “success” stories to “failures” is staggering, but the few who succeed are hailed as evidence that their program works if you just have enough commitment and willpower.

Regardless of what they’re selling, they promise it’s beneficial for everyone, implying that it is far superior to the “unacceptable” body fat. The entire business model of the diet industry thrives on making people feel terrible about their bodies, perpetually viewing themselves as works in progress striving for an unattainable ideal.

The diet industry manipulates emotions by showcasing before-and-after photos; the “before” images usually depict sad, frumpy individuals in ill-fitting athletic wear, while the “after” photos feature beaming, confident people who seem to have it all together. More often than not, even the “before” images are closer to the ideal body than many average individuals, leading us to feel even worse about ourselves. “If SHE needed this program, I must REALLY need it.”

Let me clarify: I’m not against dieters. If you’re committed to a particular program, I respect your choices regarding your body. As I tell my kids, YOU are in charge of your own body, and you have the right to choose what you consume.

However, I find the entities profiting from your weight loss endeavors to be quite distasteful. The weight loss industry’s continued success relies on your eventual failure, which is a predatory business model.

I wholeheartedly support making informed choices about your body. I advocate for consuming mostly nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods (when affordable) because they taste great and provide good fuel. I believe in tuning into your hunger cues and separating food from morality. I also champion intentional, enjoyable movement, whether it’s hula hooping with your niece in the driveway or pushing your limits in a CrossFit gym.

Movement feels good. Eating delicious food feels good. Feeling at home in your body feels good. I fully endorse individuals doing what they need to feel comfortable in their own skins.

My feelings about my body can fluctuate from neutral to radical acceptance, depending on the day. Most of the time, I feel at peace with my body. I refuse to spend my life fighting against it, and I see beauty, strength, and health in my perfectly functional body.

That said, I won’t give a single cent to any company promising “holistic weight care” when what they really mean is “take this medication and call me when you’re skinny so I can sell you something else.” No thanks. The weight loss industry can take a hike.

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Summary:

This article expresses a strong disdain for the weight loss industry, particularly in the context of the pandemic’s impact on body weight. The author critiques the industry’s predatory tactics, which often manipulate emotions and promote unattainable ideals. While supporting individual choices regarding body image and health, the author emphasizes the importance of rejecting harmful weight loss programs and encourages a positive relationship with one’s body.

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