As an individual who grew up overweight, there are lots of obstacles that were thrown in my way that no human being should have to face. Some of these issues are still relevant to me today. If you were an overweight child, odds are, you can relate to at least one of these.
1. The day you transitioned from teen to women's clothing.
And what a sad, dark day that was. You were just barely fitting into a size 16 and you had to walk over to the bland racks of grandma clothes, when all you wanted was that cute butterfly shirt from Limited Too.
2. That one time you fell and couldn't actually get up (either physically or out of embarrassment).
Someone just kind of looked at you for a bit while you cried with a weird look on their face before helping you up. You never realized that face wasn't just pity.
3. Hearing your first fat joke.
It probably wasn't very creative, and it probably had something to do with "yo Mama"...but it hit you hard. Because after the awkward laughs, there was always a silence and wandering eyes in your direction.
4. Going to the doctor for a cold, and being told to lose 10 pounds.
Yes doctor, I'm sure that taking a run and eating a lot less would definitely make my sore throat feel better.
5. Crying in a dressing room.
This either happens alone, or on a trip with someone much smaller than you. Nothing fits, and you just don't feel pretty or normal looking at yourself in the dim Macy's dressing room.
6. Talking about crushes.
And realizing that the person you're crushing on is not uninterested because they're shy, but because they actually just don't find you attractive. Then realizing that not many people do. And then deciding to not talk about crushes ever again...
7. Not getting a role, solo, or job when you were more qualified than whoever got the position because of your weight.
"The Director wanted to go in a different direction." No, the director wanted to go in a thinner direction. You're not fooling anyone.
8. Dieting.
At some point you decide to take the matter into your own hands and follow some fad diet. That fad diet probably borders on eating disorder. Sometimes it takes you years to realize it; I only realized it about a year ago.
9. Bullying.
It could be as "mild" as a few names or being ignored. Or it could be as serious as getting physically injured or publicly humiliated. But it has happened. And it sticks with you for the rest of your life.
10. Old pictures.
With Facebook memories becoming more of a "thing," it's even harder to look back on those images with you and your friends. There was a time when you were carefree, and wanted your picture taken. Over time, you notice that one of these things is not like the others. You stop liking having your photo taken. That child-like innocence leaves, and you avoid cameras at all costs. Tagged pictures on Facebook are your mortal enemy, and every notification makes your heart clench.
Growing up fat meant a lot of things for me. It meant developing crippling self-doubt and loathing. It meant non-existent confidence and the creation of shame and disgust for a body that was meant to be celebrated and loved. Society has not always been so body positive, though we have a ways to go. And while it may not be 100% accepting, changes are being made everyday. All I can hope for is that this article and this issue become obsolete, and no other little girl has to read these memories and say, "Yeah, me too."
