To the Doctor Who Handed Me a Weight Loss Pamphlet
Editor’s note: If you live with an eating disorder, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “NEDA” to 741-741.
I did not visit your office today to learn how to lower my BMI, nor did I express any interest in losing weight at any time during our visit. I went in so you could tell me why my left eye has been swollen for three days. I think it’s fair for me to say that you handing me information about lowering my BMI was completely unwarranted, presumptuous and downright rude.
I’ll have you know that I did read your pamphlet, and deem it utter bullshit. “Individuals with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.” And the tips to lower my BMI are shallower than my classmates who used to call me fat in middle school.
“To achieve a lower BMI, just reduce your caloric intake.” If you had known me longer than an hour, you might know that one time in college I struggled with an eating disorder. I didn’t eat solid food for days and I became so desperately hungry that I would chew up my food and spit it out. When I was 12, I learned the art of purging, which seemed to be an immediate solution to my binge eating episodes.
“To lower your BMI, incorporate exercise into your daily routine.” Since I am just the fat girl who walked into your office today, you probably wouldn’t guess that I run almost every day. I have an 11 and a half minute mile time, which might be high, but is considerably better than when I started with a 15 minute mile. My size also helps me not get pummeled to the ground while I’m playing rugby on Saturdays.
So, doc, I am sorry that all you saw when I walked into your office was a person who was so obviously struggling to lose weight. I wish you would have seen the same person I do when I look into a mirror — someone who has taken 25 years to feel happy in her own skin. Someone who doesn’t equate health and wellness to having a weight proportionate to her height. That person is me, and while I appreciate your information, doc, I’m using this letter to kindly tell you to fuck off.
Most sincerely,
Terese
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, you can call the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.
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Thinkstock photo via ronstik