Dieting Because of Fat Shaming or Body Shaming: My Personal Journey
From the earliest moments I can remember, my body has been a source of scrutiny. Whether it was in the hallways of my school, the gatherings with extended family, or the casual comments from friends, it seemed like my body was always open for discussion. "Are you sure you want to eat that?" someone would ask, and though they may have meant well, each comment chipped away at my self-esteem. The societal pressure to conform to a particular body image is immense, and for many of us, it becomes the catalyst for dieting—not for health, but to escape the harsh reality of fat shaming and body shaming. I wish I could say that I started my journey towards dieting for the right reasons, that I was driven by a desire to be healthier or to improve my quality of life. But the truth is, I began dieting because I was tired of the looks, the whispers, and the feeling of not fitting in. The constant reminders that my body wasn't acceptable as it was pushed me into a cycle of restrictiv...