Screw You, Weight Loss Industry

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Yesterday morning, I received an email from a public relations representative for a so-called “weight care” program. The email was filled with buzzwords, claiming their plan was a scientific and compassionate alternative to traditional diets, emphasizing health markers like cholesterol and blood pressure instead of just weight loss. They were convinced I’d want to write about this groundbreaking initiative and share it with my audience.

My skepticism was on high alert as I read through the email, so I decided to take their quick health survey to see what recommendations they had for me. Ten minutes later, I discovered that their “holistic, science-based” approach involved prescription weight loss medications. It felt like a scene from “The Devil Wears Prada,” where the absurdity of it all hit me.

I usually ignore these kinds of communications, but this time I replied, stating that I wouldn’t be the right fit to promote any intentional weight loss program and advised them to look elsewhere. Because, honestly, my feeling toward the weight loss industry is a resounding SCREW YOU.

Especially now, when so many individuals in the U.S. are reporting weight gain during the pandemic, the weight loss industry is poised to capitalize on this. They need to recover from the downtime when gyms were closed and meetings were virtual, compelling countless people to spend exorbitant amounts on supplements and diet plans that often yield little more than a calorie deficit.

Many of us gained weight because we were navigating a global health crisis. Nearly 600,000 Americans lost their lives to a virus that was completely unknown just two years ago. Our children have faced disrupted schooling and a world turned upside down. If we found solace in food or embraced the joy of cooking during this time, WHY SHOULD WE FEEL GUILTY?

As we transition back to our pre-pandemic lives, many of us will naturally revert to our previous weights. Personally, I’ve noticed a shift in my own body over the past couple of months as I’ve felt more comfortable venturing out after being fully vaccinated. I’ve seen my doctor to address my polycystic ovarian syndrome, and as I embrace some of my old habits, it’s no wonder my weight is adjusting as well.

It turns out, weight fluctuation is completely NORMAL.

Now, about that weight loss industry… I will always be disgusted by the multi-billion-dollar enterprise that hides behind appealing terms like health and wellness. They convince you that your worth hinges on your weight and promote harmful practices that can lead to injury or worse. They create communities designed to keep you hooked, spending more money while showcasing a misleading ratio of “success” stories against countless failures.

No matter what they’re selling, they promise that their solutions are universally beneficial—far better than the “ugly” belly fat that everyone is conditioned to hate. The foundation of their business thrives on making individuals feel inadequate about their bodies while perpetually striving for an unattainable ideal.

Their marketing tactics manipulate our emotions with before-and-after photos that often depict already fit individuals as failures, making the average person feel even worse about themselves. It’s designed to instill a sense of desperation: “If she needed this program, I must really need it!”

I want to clarify: I have nothing against individuals who choose to diet. If you’re dedicated to a program and it brings you joy, that’s your choice. As I tell my kids, YOU are the master of your body, and you have every right to decide what you put into it.

However, I find the industry that profits from your weight loss to be predatory. Their success relies on your eventual dissatisfaction and failures. But I wholeheartedly support making thoughtful choices about your personal health. Eating whole, nutrient-rich foods can be a delightful experience, and being in tune with your body is essential.

I encourage enjoyable physical movement—whether that’s dancing with your kids or challenging yourself at the gym. Feeling good in your body is paramount.

Most days, I feel at peace with my body, embracing its strengths. Sure, I may not love every aspect of my appearance, but I refuse to pay any company that claims to offer “holistic weight care” when their true agenda is to sell me more products under the guise of health.

No thanks. The weight loss industry can take a hike.

For more insights, check out this other blog post about navigating personal health. Also, if you’re interested in fertility resources, visit Make a Mom and Women’s Health for excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

This article critiques the weight loss industry’s exploitative practices, particularly in light of pandemic-related weight fluctuations. It emphasizes the need for personal empowerment and the importance of making conscious health choices without succumbing to harmful diet culture.

Keyphrase:

Weight Loss Industry Critique

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