If you looked at my younger sister and me, you would probably wonder who is actually the oldest. I'm only 5'2, while my sister is at least 5'7. We also have very different body types. See, she got my dad's side of the family - who is taller and more weight-proportional. I got my mom's side of things, which includes being shorter and curvier. While we may not look like picture-perfect images of sisters, we are healthy and happy. That's because we eat right and exercise when we can. We try to let ourselves have a treat every once in a while, and we support each other in keeping our self-esteem high and our bodies energized.
I feel as though society takes one look at people who are not stick thin and assumes that they are unhealthy. The same goes for those who judge someone for being "too skinny" and says that they should "go eat a burger...or two." The pressures to be perfect definitely take its toll on people. According to a survey by Seventeenmagazine, 74 percent of girls and young adults feel that same pressure. 81 percent reported feeling overwhelmed by life, and 35 percent became so depressed they didn't even want to hang out with friends. This is all because they didn't feel as though they were good enough to go out and socialize or be just like everyone else.
I totally understand that. I've been there, more times than I'd like to admit. And suffering from an eating disorder doesn't help either, because it seems as though numbers and being perfect are all you can possibly think about. But whether or not you have an ED, depression or anxiety, you can still feel as though people are judging you for the way you look.
What happened to people wanting to be healthy, no matter what the size? What happened to a size 12 being the average for women instead of a size 2? I think that all body types should be celebrated, as long as you're taking care of the body you have. Instead of wondering if you need to lose weight, maybe you can ask yourself: Have I eaten enough? Have I exercised today? Did I get a good sleep last night? Did I have fun with my friends or family? Am I feeling content and not sad or burdened by life?There is so much more than just weight that indicates if you're healthy.
Yes, if you need to lose weight based on health reasons, then do it in a safe way. But see, that's the thing: I said for health reasons, not for appearance-based purposes. Appearance is how you look, but health is ultimately how you feel and are as a person. A person that weighs 200 pounds, eats right, stays hydrated and exercises some can be healthier than their friend that weighs 100 pounds, eats junk 24/7 and doesn't move a muscle. The same can go in reverse as well.
My point is, no matter what the number on the scale says, it doesn't tell you everything. It can't tell you how much your family loves you or how fun your friends think you are. So the next time you see that number, don't let it define you, because you are so much more than that.
