Like many, I am excited to be starting 2024. The new year, as well as my sweet daughter, has provided enlightenment and a more positive attitude. Recently, my daughter called me to discuss her recent appointment with a primary care physician and told me about a discussion they had about weight. I think it’s important to note that while my daughter is not obese, she has been what the guidelines would consider slightly overweight throughout the years, though not consistently. However, I also want to note here that beauty is not determined by these factors, and my daughter is no exception to that rule, she is also healthy. So, you can imagine my surprise when she told me that she and her doctor had a conversation about eating disorders and how she (Nancy) has many signs that indicate weighing herself is NOT good for her. The doctor told Nancy NOT to weigh herself at all. This situation made me think about my own behavior and how my journey might affect others.

Nancy had no idea that this short conversation would affect me the way it did. When we spoke a few days later, I told her I heard her and that I was sorry I had made such an issue of weight. I asked her if it would be okay if I wrote about this situation and shared it with each of you—she loved the idea and approved immediately. As I reflect on everything, the thought that my behavior while trying to get healthy may have inadvertently triggered Nancy or anyone is devastating.

I hope that I’ve been very clear that this journey and blog are about health and living well, NOT about weight loss or a number on the scale. However, I understand that this may be confusing because I have consistently posted updates on my weight. It wasn’t until this conversation with my daughter that it occurred to me that posting my weight might be triggering and harmful to some individuals. If this is the case, then I sincerely apologize and hope that you will bear with me as I try to do better.

According to Nagata et al. (2023), food insecurity is associated with 1.67 higher odds of binge-eating disorder or subclinical binge-eating disorder, as well as 1.31 higher odds of binge eating in early adolescence. Additionally, 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime (Streatfeild et al., 2021).

For those needing help, the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline is available at 1 (866) 662-1235. If you are experiencing a crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Moving forward, there will be no updates on my weight. I will share non-scale victories and health progress, but not my weight. I began sharing my weight to keep me accountable, but I now know I can be accountable without focusing on how much I weigh. I can instead focus on my A1c, cholesterol, BMI, stamina, and so many other things. What are you focusing on besides the number on the scale? How are you living well? Please share with me at livingwell@arh.org.