The scale – both feared and desired, this seemingly inconspicuous device wields the power to label us and, more significantly, to make us feel either elated or disheartened based on whether the resulting number matches, exceeds, or falls below the one from the last time we stepped on it.
But, what exactly are we seeking when we step on the scale? It depends. It depends on whether we are content with our bodies, wish to be slimmer, or believe we need to gain a few pounds. When we step on the scale, we all desire confirmation or answers – a check to see if indeed, the summer has added a few extra pounds. At times, we obsess over a number, hoping to confirm daily that we haven’t budged a gram above or below this, for us, ideal weight.
Some even let their mood fluctuate based on the morning reading on the scale. Losing weight might kickstart the day with high self-esteem, but if, unfortunately, the scale delivers what we perceive as bad news, it can affect everything from the choice of clothes for the day to the energy we bring to the upcoming work meeting. Occasionally, our weight can even make us feel more or less valuable as individuals.
But, in reality, can we assert the existence of an ideal weight? The answer is no; the ideal weight does not exist. It’s more appropriate to speak of a healthy weight. Let’s delve into what we mean by this concept:
- Healthy Weight is Not Absolute: A healthy weight is not an unchanging, absolute number that accompanies us throughout life. It’s a range that can shift over the years, contingent on various factors like age, activity level, life stage, health status, and other aspects that evolve over a lifetime. Fixating on maintaining an exact weight can lead to rigidity, anxiety, and frustration since it’s nearly impossible for weight to remain constant throughout life.
- Individualized Healthy Weight: While there are indices, like the Body Mass Index (BMI), that offer guidance on weight relative to height, these tools provide only approximate values. They are by no means definitive, and one should not take them literally.
- Healthy Weight Aligns with Overall Health: A healthy weight is what our body maintains when it’s in good health, following a balanced diet. It’s neither higher nor lower and doesn’t necessarily correspond to a slimmer or heavier figure. A person can be healthy while weighing a few kilos less or more than the standards suggest, just as someone with the same weight might not be following a proper diet.
The crux lies in health. Those who prioritize their health aim to eat balanced meals, care for their bodies, and nurture their minds. Strict diets only force our bodies to cling to a weight dictated by beliefs or standards. Striving to maintain a weight that isn’t truly ours turns life into a battle with the scale and food. Moreover, excessive concern about weight, as discussed in a previous article, can ironically contribute to weight gain.
So, let’s stow away the scale and channel our efforts into learning to care for ourselves by adopting a healthy eating approach. This way, our weight will stabilize, allowing us the freedom to enjoy a variety of foods, be flexible, and indulge occasionally. With health as our guide, our bodies naturally tend towards their “ideal” weight.
