Can We Please Stop Body Shaming? Seriously.

I’m 34 years old and, quite frankly, I’m over it.

I’ve been shamed for being overweight. I’ve been side-eyed for losing weight too fast. I’ve been gossiped about for taking Ozempic. One time, I even had someone suggest I must be “doing something unhealthy” because I was looking too good too quickly. Make it make sense.

So, let me just lay it all out there. I’m 5'10" and 200 pounds. My build is what it is. If I lost every ounce of body fat, I’d probably bottom out around 140 pounds at most and that’s pushing it. This body? She’s strong. She’s sturdy. She’s curvy. She is me.

Now, on the other end of the scale (pun fully intended), there are folks who can devour cheeseburgers in their sleep and never crack 140. That’s just how they were made. Different body, different metabolism, different life. If you have a problem with that, take it up with God, genetics, or maybe your 11th grade health teacher.

I’ve noticed this wave of hate and judgment toward people taking Ozempic or other weight-loss medications. I’m not here for it. My personal opinion is if you want to take it to lose weight, feel sexy, boost your energy, control your appetite, sleep better then YES do your thing. You deserve to feel good. The people throwing shade are usually one of two types: jealous or just plain miserable. Debbie Downers who can’t stand to see anyone else thrive. And yes, some folks do have genuine concerns about the health implications, which is fair. But let’s not pretend that all this judgment is about health. Most of it is pure projection. If someone’s improving their life in a healthy way and following medical advice, what’s the problem?

Listen, I’m a full-time working mom. My life is a whirlwind of emails, laundry, Zoom calls, lost sippy cups, and daycare pickups. I don’t have time to spend two hours in the gym five days a week. Honestly, most days, I barely have time to pee. And I know I’m not alone. We’re all out here doing our best. So if a medication helps someone stay on track, build better habits, and reclaim their confidence? That’s a win in my book.

For me, Ozempic has been more than a shot it’s been motivation in a syringe. It gave me that initial nudge I needed to stop the late-night snacking, the emotional eating, the “I’m so tired I’ll just eat a cookie for dinner” habits. This isn’t about being skinny. This is about feeling good. In your body. In your skin. In your life. You want to take meds? Great. You want to do it the old-fashioned way with kale smoothies and 6 AM boot camps? Go off, babe. You want to embrace your body exactly how it is, eat cake on your birthday? You’re my hero. No matter what path you choose, you deserve to be respected. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to health.

You know what body shaming says about you? It says you're insecure. It says you're uncomfortable with other people being comfortable. It says, “I need to put someone else down to feel better about myself.” And that’s just sad. So here’s a friendly PSA for anyone who feels the urge to comment on someone’s body: Don’t.

Don’t say someone looks “too skinny.” Don’t say they looked “better before.” Don’t say they’ve “let themselves go.” If you’re not their doctor, their therapist, or their mirror, keep your opinion in your pocket.

Let’s talk about the real stuff. The private thoughts. The dressing room tears. The scale anxiety. The social media spiral when you see someone who looks “perfect.” You’re not broken. You’re human.

We’ve all been there, standing in front of the mirror, sucking it in, poking at our belly, comparing our thighs to strangers on Instagram. But I promise you no one has it all together. Even the most conventionally beautiful people struggle with body image. It’s the world we live in.

But here’s your reminder: you are beautiful right now. Not “when you lose ten pounds.” Not “once your skin clears up.” Not “if you get a thigh gap.” Right. Now.

Wear clothes that fit your current body. Not your “goal size.” Celebrate the body you’re in now.

Unfollow anyone who makes you feel less-than. Find movement that you actually enjoy. Compliment yourself out loud. Talk to yourself like someone who loves you.

You don’t have to justify your weight, your choices, your food, your fitness level, or your prescriptions. You’re not here to meet anyone’s expectations but your own. So whether you’re on Ozempic, lifting weights, loving your body as-is, or working toward a healthier version of yourself, you’re doing great. Truly. Let’s make this a time that we stop apologizing for our bodies. Because we’re worthy. We’re hot. We’re real. And we’re enough. All of us.