My body will never be the solution

When I experienced weight stigma & anti fatness as a younger person, when a doctor told me that “there’s a lot of me” or a trainer fat shamed me during a gym induction, my self esteem and confidence would be shot to pieces, and the only reasonable outcome seemed to be pursuing thinness.

- A photo of me, around age 6

What I’ve come to realise is that the solution to someone’s weight stigma is not my weight loss. Changing my body won’t create more accessibility in public spaces, it won’t encourage brands to make and sell clothing beyond an XL, it won’t de-stigmatise healthcare for folks in larger bodies.

⚡️The solution to weight stigma is NOT my weight loss.

⚡️ The solution to medical weight stigma is NOT my weight loss.

⚡️ The solution to a lack of access in public spaces is NOT my weight loss.

⚡️ The solution to the lack of inclusivity in fitness spaces is NOT my weight loss.

⚡️ The solution to a lack of body diversity in models is NOT my weight loss.

⚡️ The solution to a lack of clothing sizes beyond a xxl is NOT my weight loss.

The other day I tried imagining a world where the system of oppression telling us there is ONE perfect way to have a body didn't exist.

I dreamed of a world where strangers didn't stare, giggle or make remarks on my body. A world where I didn't carry feelings and anxiety about my hyper visibility around me like a heavy accessory... or people on the internet didn't call me lazy for simply having an opinion.

It felt like a whimsical dream, and I remembered that whilst it may not be possible for me, it's possible for the future. I'll be okay, but my kids' generation, and other young people need protecting from this new Ozempic era we are in.

Our bodies and pursuing thinness will NEVER be the solution, when the problem is systemic.