Your Weight Does Not Always Define Your Health | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

There Is So Much MORE To Your Health Besides How Much You Weigh

Healthy comes in all shapes and sizes.

872
There Is So Much MORE To Your Health Besides How Much You Weigh
Photo by Jennifer Burk on Unsplash

It's time to normalize that body shapes can be healthy no matter what size they are. Our society too often teaches, at a very young age, that there is a distinct way you should look. If you are smaller than the ideal body, then "you need to eat more," "you're just skin and bones," and "you look sick." It's the same if you're considered bigger than what you "should look like, "you must love food," "should you really be eating that," and "you should work out more." You're given an ultimatum from the start. Look like an ideal body or you're not healthy. We are taught that it's normal for our bodies to be shamed by family, friends, neighbors, and strangers because they're "just worried about you."

We can't allow that type of behavior anymore.

Being worried about someone isn't an excuse for degrading their body.

We should no longer be afraid of doctor's appointments — our anxiety should not increase hour by hour as we get closer to it. Why is weight always the topic of discussion the majority of the time? I should be asked if I'm emotionally feeling alright, if I protect my skin when out in the sun, and if I put drugs into my body. The words underweight, overweight, and obese are thrown around way too often and are based solely on the body mass index (which happens to be an outdated system that has been proven unrealistic time and time again).

How much longer are we going to let societal standards define who we are and how good our health is? Our health is not determined by what size pants we wear or if our weight is more or less than the average number given to us by Google. We can no longer allow others to form our opinions and thoughts. Being able to see your ribs when wearing a bathing suit or having thicker thighs does not mean you aren't healthy! Health has to do with wearing sunscreen, if you smoke, how much you sleep, the average amount your body moves, and whether or not you consumed a good amount of nutrients for the day.

How we look is OUR business! We need to understand that in order to get society to realize that.

Report this Content
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23474
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9800
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7103
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments