I have long believed that there was a large amount of discrimination based on weight. I had this confirmed by a very close friend once who shared with me, “Before I met you, I thought all overweight people were lazy and shy.” Sure, I was flattered that I helped personify the fact I can be active, outgoing, and far from a size two. On the other hand, I thought, “Wow, if this is my best friend who thinks this way, imagine what people who haven’t gotten to know me must think!” To some extent I find myself compensating for this by sharing with people who are threatening or even seem super fit, what I am doing to be fit, healthy, and everything but lazy. I have even wondered before if I was passed up for jobs because of my weight. Not that I applied to work at a health club or anything, but in general I could be a threat to an insurance company or cost a small employer more money in theory if I had obesity related health issues. Even though these ideas crossed my mind, I was still shocked by a scenario at work.
My position involves helping students learn to interview well, build their resumes, and find jobs in the work force. Part of this experience involves an internship. Recently, an employer interviewed and hired a non-paid intern. A week in to the internship we received a phone call that they did not want to continue the internship. Why? Because they didn’t feel the person’s fitness level and outward appearance personified health. This was a medical office. The student was going to be there for about one month. They could not handle one month of someone who is overweight, not even obese, working in their front office.
I felt a quick jab to my heart and wrench in my stomach. Part of me wanted to swoop in and save the beautiful young lady from whatever hurt she might be caused. Then, rage set it in. I wanted to storm in and correct their thought process. Finally, I accepted that this time of discrimination is part of the world we live in. I am not doing anyone any favors by protecting them from the world. I did make a mental note to never ever ever ever ever ever (okay you get it, never ever) step foot in that clinic or send a student there again.
In an odd way, this motivated me. My obesity does not define who I am. It’s just like any other medical condition. You would not refer to a friend as “the diabetic” or “the cripple” because they are more than a disease, they are a human being. I am who I am and part of that means I deal with eating and weight issues on the side. I’m not going to be defined by a number on the scale. I am going to be defined by my compassion, zest for life, and outgoing personality. I am going to be a wife, sister, aunt, daughter, and friend. I am going to be me. Part of being me and wanting to be my very best self includes working toward a healthier lifestyle, but that will not define me. It will motivate me. It will push me to conquer barriers, jump over hurdles, and come out on the other side victorious in the war against obesity! I, my friends, will be defined by MY success!
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