Weightloss Without Shame

There's a new wave of weight loss messaging, especially targeting people experiencing perimenopause.

It seems like a resurgence of the formulaic approach from the '80's and '90's talking about "calories in, calories out." 

I also don't love the attitude, "If I can do it, you can do it.  Here's how!"

We have come a long way with body neutrality and HAES - Health At Every Size. But none if this is simple.  None of it is black and white.

Tackling weight loss for the sake of health and strength is a vital topic.  Weight loss is really an umbrella term, decoded as: decrease inflammation, improve digestion, optimize gut health, reduce cravings, increase strength, provide nourishment and support stress. Taking care of our bodies and learning what works is a highly dynamic, personal and unique process.  What works for one person is not what works for another. 

I wish we could eliminate the age-old shame about body size and focus on supporting health. 

The roots of body shame in Western culture run deep. Long before social media and Hollywood beauty standards, early 1800's Anglo-saxon protestant ideology linked thinness with virtue — and fatness with moral failure. The focus was on order, discipline and purity; and deep fear of sensual pleasure.  Temperance and modesty were spiritually prized.  Body fat began to be viewed as an indicator of weak will, gluttony as sinful and lack of restraint.  (Learn more with The Body Project by Joan Jacobs Brumberg or Fat Politics by Eric Oliver.)

Body shame is antiquated - it needs to become obsolete!