So here’s a loaded conversation and an interesting topic (I hope). Is having a weight loss goal anti-feminist?
Here we go…
I bring up this topic because in the last year there has been a noticeable shift in female empowerment, feminism and a shift in the minds of people who had been unaware that women have not been treated fairly or equally by the media, society, other women and men.
This is an undeniable fact. So lets agree with that and move on. (or not, it’s a free world but I’m not arguing the finer points of Feminism and Womens’ rights today)
With this female empowerment movement comes the body positivity movement, something which I am in great support of. I’m all about loving yourself no matter what shape or size you are.
The honest truth is that if your willingness and motivation to change comes from a negative place then the results are never as good, never as enjoyable and that happiness does not come in a smaller dress size if all your brain is focused on is the perceived “flaws” that you have.
^^^ I have done the leg work on this, negativity does not yield better results than self acceptance.
There is an argument though that body positivity is promoting weight gain in women and that this movement will mean that women will not lose weight, will stay obese and unhealthy and be a drain on our health services as they “let themselves go”.
(yes, because fat shaming comes from a place of love and concern for your fellow humans, right?!)
Here are the finer points of the matter, in my opinion.
- Women have the right to weigh whatever they want.
- Women have the right to wear whatever they want.
- Women have the right to love how they look and not give a fuck about what you think.
- A woman can choose to change any of the above without it being a slight on feminism or a reference to patriarchy.
- You opinion on another woman does not matter.
But weight loss motivations are tricky…
Our perceptions of our bodies are distorted by the media, by our social network, our profession and our past experiences and this is what makes it tricky.
Therefore while it’s absolutely 100% ok to want to lose weight and to have that as your main focus, I urge you to think about your weight loss as a journey of growth.
^^^ Yes, I get that this sounds a little woo-woo and hippy-esque but stay with me.
Your weight loss journey should be about YOU.
Your health. Your fitness. Your strength. Your happiness.
It should be a journey of self discovery.
Making your body healthier, stronger, fitter, more capable.
Improving your outlook on the world.
Feeling comfortable in your skin and in your clothes.
Becoming the person you want to be – not just the dress size the media says you should be.
I make my living helping my clients to achieve the fitness and body composition that they desire.
But I also work on mindset, self acceptance, accepting change and confronting the uncomfortable and these are skills that you need to achieve a long term weight loss.
So if weight loss is what you want, that is something you can aim for. Feminism is about making our own choices and designing our lives the way we want. Remember this.
Become the best woman you can be. Whatever that means to you.
A xx
austin-chan