I’m putting on my eating disorder dietitian hat for today’s piece. Because I want to question a norm that is rarely examined, yet can play a role in one’s relationship with weight, especially as part of their identity.
This isn’t a new idea. I’ve just never written about it.
Baby Announcements
There have been so many births in my orbit and I started getting curious about this topic again.
Why do we expect the name, gender, and weight when a baby is born?
It’s pretty much the norm, though I am finding that many are opting out.
Why?
Because like so many norms in our society, it’s important to ask, “is this beneficial”?
Is it beneficial to know the name? Gender? Weight?
It’s most likely not a yes or no answer because most norms are complicated. Remember that everyone has the power of choice.
So get curious…
In what ways are these pieces of information beneficial and not beneficial? Consider it from the perspective of everyone involved.
Now, gender alone carries an entire universe of complexity — identity, expectation, duality, projection. That’s a very layered conversation, and one I care about deeply.
Weight As Idenity
Today though, I feel called to get curious about the announcement of a baby’s weight.
Birth weight has medical relevance.
Yes, and…
Why is it part of the announcement?
From day 1, our bodies are publicly measured, evaluated, and spoken about as though it’s part of who we are as an individual.
For example, notice if you have any judgements when you read the weight of the baby. Judgements about the baby or even the mother.
I invite you to sit with this accepted norm while thinking about how weight has played a role in your life, identity and self-worth. Then examine how it’s played a role for your kids, family and friends.
Like most of what I share, it may or may not resonate. This is one way to perceive it. One of many. And I truly want you to be in choice, and explore this organically and authentically.
I do believe that many truths can harmoniously exist in the world – even within the same individual.
This Isn’t Entirely About Weight
Ready for a plot twist?
This piece is about weight… and also not about weight. Just like an eating disorder is about the food — and so not about the food.
The deeper message here is to call attention to norms that we accept without question.
Let me grease the wheels.
Do you ever feel pressure to walk 10,000 steps a day because it’s “healthy“?
Fun fact! 10,000 steps didn’t originate from health research. It came from a Japanese pedometer marketing campaign in the 1960s. My understanding is that the character they used for the pedometer looked like someone walking. The character meant 10,000.
Do you base your health off of your BMI?
Metrics like BMI became institutionalized despite zero scientific basis — largely because they were profitable. You can learn more in this video.
Empowerment Through Curiosity
The point is to begin to get curious about the things you do and say.
Are you actually choosing them? Or were those thoughts and actions conditioned into you through your family, culture, religion, society, friends, media, etc.?
Are you truly utilizing the gift of free will or do you just think you are?
This is one of the many reasons I always say: until next time friends, stay curious!
You Might Enjoy
- Exploring Food Preferences through the Second Chakra
- How To Reconnect With Your Body
- Healthy vs Unhealthy Food
- Let’s Talk about Food and Body Shame
Creative Offering:
If these words serve you, let them fly.
If you teach from them, may they bloom again.
Credit is kind. Integrity is everything.
Blair is a registered dietitian, certified intuitive eating counselor, E-500 RYT and Reiki Master. She integrates spirituality with modern day science to help people heal and reclaim their relationship with their body and food. Disclaimer:
These are my current musings — proofread and edited by AI. This content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the support of a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional regarding any concerns or conditions.