In a remarkable display of maturity and insight, an 8th grader has taken the internet by storm with her powerful essay critiquing the ineffectiveness of Body Mass Index (BMI) testing. This young woman has garnered viral attention for her bold stance against a system that unfairly categorizes individuals based on outdated metrics.
A family friend and cartoonist, Alex Thompson, recently shared a post on social media highlighting the essay of his friend’s daughter. The young athlete found herself labeled as “obese” after calculating her BMI as part of a school assignment. In his post, Alex expressed pride in her response, emphasizing the importance of empowering young individuals to challenge harmful body image standards. “May we all encourage our children to embrace their strength and individuality,” he wrote.
The essay begins with a poignant assertion: “BMI is an outdated way of determining a person’s body health, and it’s a measurement that should NOT be used in a school setting where students are already self-conscious and lacking confidence in their unique bodies.” Can we take a moment to appreciate her wisdom?
In response to the assignment that required her to calculate her BMI, she stated, “Now, I’m not going to even open my laptop to calculate my BMI. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a ‘bigger girl’ and I’m completely fine with that; I’m strong and powerful.” This powerful declaration resonates deeply with anyone who has wrestled with body image issues, regardless of age.
She shares a personal journey, detailing how negative thoughts about her body began to surface, leading her to mask her self-image with uncomfortable clothing choices. This is a reality many can relate to, and her openness about these struggles is both refreshing and brave.
Following a visit to her doctor, who affirmed her health despite being classified as overweight, she concluded with a resounding statement: “I am just beginning to love my body, like I should, and I’m not going to let some outdated calculation and a middle school gym teacher tell me I’m obese, because I’m not. My BMI is none of your concern because my body and BMI are perfect and beautiful just the way they are.”
What a remarkable declaration! This young woman serves as a role model, demonstrating that self-love is paramount. Her message is a crucial reminder that we are all unique and deserving of respect—regardless of numbers on a scale or arbitrary classifications.
For more on empowering narratives and insights, check out our other blog posts, such as this one. If you’re exploring options for at-home insemination, consider this reputable retailer that offers essential kits for your journey. Additionally, CCRM IVF provides valuable resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, this 8th grader’s essay not only challenges an outdated system but also encourages us all to embrace our bodies as they are. Her brave voice is a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with self-image, reminding us that we are all perfect in our own unique ways.
Leave a Reply