Put Down The Old Weight Story And Write A New Story

We all grew up immersed in various stories and fables, many of which followed a familiar arc: a main character embarking on a quest or journey, encountering challenges, overcoming them, and reaping the rewards. However, there’s one narrative that, despite belonging in the fiction section, we treat as non-fiction—the Weight-Loss Quest.

This pervasive story takes on different forms, portraying individuals with bodies outside the perceived ‘ideal’ as unhappy, lonely, or unsuccessful. Their bodies are often framed as a consequence of their own actions—eating the wrong foods, insufficient movement, or simply not being ‘good enough.’ The solution? Change.

Commencing typically at the start of the year with a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, individuals recruit various aids for their quest—the latest fad diet, exercise trends, influencers, or even drugs. Initially, progress seems on track, yet, as in any narrative, tension arises. The struggles with diet, exercise, and willpower are depicted as hurdles one must overcome for a happy ending. Those who halt here are deemed ‘failures,’ while those who persist, even if the weight loss isn’t sustainable, are celebrated with attributes like success, love, control, popularity, acceptance, confidence, and joy.

But this story is a tapestry of fiction, riddled with plot holes akin to a delicate doily:

• What if there was nothing inherently wrong with the character from the outset? What if the problem lay with society?

• What if the weight-loss quest is more complex than a simple formula of eat less/move more?

• What if stumbles weren’t obstacles to overcome, but rather neglected guides offering valuable insights?

• What if the glitter surrounding weight loss isn’t genuine gold? What if societal expectations aren’t truly linked to weight loss?

• What if achievements attributed to weight loss could be attained without it?

Imagine setting aside this worn-out narrative and crafting a new story with fresh characters and arcs. Picture a tale where the main character rises above societal judgments, discovering their true self and leading a life connected to meaningful values rather than fixating on appearance.

Your story and character can transcend the limitations of the old narrative. Set down the outdated book, take up a pen, and script your unique journey.