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Reevaluating Weight Loss in a Size-Inclusive World

When I accepted this role in January, one question lingered in my mind: Is it possible for SELF to embrace size inclusivity while also discussing weight loss?

My conclusion is yes, it certainly can.

As SELF embarks on this journey once more, we remain steadfast in our commitment to self-love and advocating for fair, discrimination-free health care for everyone. However, we cannot overlook the current landscape as we approach 2025. The reality is that GLP-1 medications are increasingly becoming part of our medical and social conversations. Ignoring the implications—social, mental, and public health—of this trend would not be fair to our audience, many of whom might know individuals using GLP-1s or have contemplated these options themselves. In essence, SELF serves as a health and wellness service publication, providing guidance without judgement, and supporting our readers in their pursuit of healthier lifestyles, regardless of where they currently stand in their personal journeys.

The recent FDA approvals for Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for weight loss are among the most highly discussed and debated topics in medicine today, rivaling even conversations surrounding the COVID vaccine. These medications are reshaping cultural norms in significant ways. Personally, I can attest to this shift: three years ago, stress-related habits led me into a cycle of unhealthy eating, poor sleep, and a lack of exercise, resulting in a weight gain of 40 pounds. Determined to reclaim my health in 2023, I revisited familiar routines of calorie deficits, high-intensity interval training, and strength training five days weekly, alongside abstaining from alcohol. After a month of feeling disheartened by the lack of visible results, I turned to my mother, an ob-gyn, and asked, “Should I consider the shot?” She quickly advised against it, emphasizing that the long-term effects of these medications remain uncertain.

Despite shedding 25 of those 40 pounds, I was still classified as having obesity, defined by the World Health Organization as “abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses a risk to health” and indicated by a body mass index (BMI) over 30.

This brings us to the critical issue with BMI as a measurement—it is fundamentally flawed. It is widely recognized that health cannot be accurately gauged by this single metric. I meet the criteria for health based on standard medical assessments, possess significant strength (evidenced by my squat record of 165 pounds), and proudly embrace my body’s curves. This is where traditional science often falls short.

Our discussions about weight are hindered by a lack of appropriate terminology. Yet, we understand that excess weight can be linked to health conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. As SELF’s senior health writer Erica Sloan elaborates on this topic, it is crucial to recognize that weight loss does not necessarily equate to a swift resolution of health concerns. I have come to view my weight as just one among many indicators of my overall well-being. It does not define me; rather, it is merely a risk factor I acknowledge.

The reality is that individuals can maintain health at every size. True health transcends weight; it encompasses movement, balanced nutrition—which can include both nutritious foods and indulgent treats—adequate sleep, and regular mental health assessments. It’s about feeling good, as defined by each individual. For me, this journey involves focusing on stretching and mobility, engaging in strength training, learning new skills like running, prioritizing sleep, preparing my meals, and forgoing alcohol. What does your health journey look like?

Source
www.self.com