What’s Actually Important When We Talk About Weight?

Warning: This article deals with weight loss-related content that could be triggering for some readers.

We’re all trying to become more positive about our bodies, whether that means self-love or self-acceptance. We’re also trying to rewire our brains about how we think about weight. All too often, fat people are given unsolicited weight loss advice online for merely existing. In reality, we should all be able to love ourselves regardless of the number on a scale.

However, this doesn’t mean it’s inherently a bad thing to want to lose weight. There can be a number of reasons why someone might want to, but that is that person’s business. However, when we discuss weight (particularly the want to lose it), what’s actually important? We’ve teamed up with Youly to help break down why it’s important to be sensitive with yourself when it comes to your weight and to stay out of other people’s business when it comes to theirs.

Do it for You

Firstly, it’s important to note that weight management should entirely rest upon the individual’s intentions and desires. Do you want to drop down a size? Totally fine, but it’s crucial to feel supported by your peers in your choice, and it’s crucial to do so healthily.

We all know social media has pretty much been a net negative for body image across the board, so trying to decipher “I want to lose weight because I want to look after my health” from “I want to lose weight because I saw a picture of an edited, unattainable body on Instagram” can be one of the major challenges.

It’s More Than a Number on the Scale

The exact amount we weigh can be important, right? Can. But fixating on the scale, as opposed to how we feel, can bog you down. The number on the scale naturally fluctuates throughout the day. And that’s just by simple things like drinking water and going to the toilet, not even taking into account hormones and genetics — things you have absolutely zero control over.

Additionally, if you’ve decided you want to lose weight, or even just work on your fitness, using the scale as a sole metric of your progress is doing yourself a huge disservice. The utmost importance should be placed on health and how you feel. Going purely on numbers on a scale isn’t a strong, or even accurate, indicator of either of those things. 

Think About the Bigger Picture

Weight loss should be approached holistically, allowing you to see the bigger picture of why you’re doing this. You want to be confident. You want to feel like your best self, and that idea means something different to every person. That’s why no one’s weight journey can be compared. Nor should they be — everyone has the right to feel good about themselves regardless of the number on the scale. A key factor in feeling good about yourself comes from your support system, and feeling uplifted — not shamed or patronised — by those around you. 

The team at Youly not only understand this, but put words into action. Youly offer prescription medication to help with weight loss and, when taken in conjunction with healthy eating and an active lifestyle, it can give you the results you want if being a healthier you means losing weight. These prescriptions are all carefully decided on by a doctor or nurse practitioner following a telehealth consult, so you can be sure what you’re getting is right for you.

Now, it’s important to know that weight loss medications are not some magic way to reach your goal. They’re an aid that’s far more effective when prioritising a healthy and active lifestyle. That’s why it’s vital to be sure losing weight is something you’re doing for you. Your idea of a healthy you can only be truly defined by you, and Youly are there to support you regardless of the vision.

To learn more about the prescription weight loss medication Youly provides, head to Youly’s website now.

If this article brings up any issues for you or anyone you know or you need help and support for eating disorders, please contact the Butterfly Foundation National Support Line and online service 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673) or email support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au.