On May 9th, 2024, I attended a three-hour event hosted by Oprah Winfrey and WeightWatchers, “Making The Shift: A New Way to Think About Weight.” The experience was live-streamed on WeightWatchers’ YouTube channel. The audience was treated to a candid conversation about toxic weight culture, its impact on our mental health, and the science behind the topic. Speakers included Rebel Wilson, Busy Phillips, Jamie Kern Lima, Katie Sturino, Tressie McMillan Cottom, Marisa Meltzer, and Amber Riley. Medical experts joined the panel to help us understand the biological and psychological impact of weight prejudice, the damaging stories we tell ourselves and others, the relationship with our bodies, and more.
I sat in an audience filled with people who in some way felt shame or guilt about their weight. Throughout the evening, real-life stories were shared, offering a bird’s eye view into the pain of men and women, who have experienced rejection or judgment about physical appearance.
According to the NIH (National Insititute of Health), a person is considered to be overweight or obese, if he or she weighs higher than that which is regarded as normal. The BMI tool we used to determine good health is misleading and not the only source to get a full overview of overall wellness. It cannot be denied that weight health is important, however, it can also be unfairly used by others and ourselves, as a measure of worth. Does that sound ridiculous, perhaps? But consider the times you, or someone you know, witnessed a situation where a person has been passed over in a professional or personal setting because of their weight. Exactly. Adding insult to injury, men are often given a free pass in this department, while expectations for women are different.
Weight has long been used, as one of the qualities used to determine beauty. Oprah has shared weight struggles and admitted to contributing to the diet culture. She has given us a front-row seat to her journey, participating in the storytelling to help improve our perception of weight and where to start change. The conversations that took place were difficult and inspirational. Mostly, they were necessary because the only way for society to begin making change is to be part of it.
The next time you find yourself picking yourself apart in front of the mirror, consider this gem. Worth does not come from appearance, a degree, a job, a car, a home, a romantic partner, or anything external. The greatest validation you can ever receive comes from the person that matters. You.
There are countless reasons for the overwhelming gratitude for attending such an event. I have been part of the Oprah Insider’s group for several years. In 2022, I appeared as an Insider Guest on Oprah Daily’s Life Class. Having Oprah herself, ask me about a personal life experience on Zoom was special but being provided an opportunity to meet the icon in person was truly unforgettable. I now understand when people talk about her magic. The only way to describe it is, as a magnetic force. She has a gift for connecting with people and making them feel seen. Sharing a moment with Oprah herself, made me feel like the lightbox in a window of dreams waiting to be manifested. AW is grateful to the team at Oprah Daily for making it happen!
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