The goal is that everything and nothing has to do with health

Editorial

Illustration purpose 2024: Victor Zamora

Written by Blanca Medina Vizca*

The year started almost two weeks ago and then 18 months Without doing any physical activity, I decided to return to my spinning routine.

“It's for health» is the phrase I repeat to myself to convince myself that none of this has anything to do with my body and the urgent need to lose a few kilograms.

It is impossible not to feel guilty about the “unhealthy lifestyle” that caused me to gain weight. But how can I achieve balance in my life if my daily routine has been in work activities for the past year and a half Vast, exhausting and demanding?

None of that matters, because the only thing that matters now is that 2024 And with it the purpose of losing weight. I see it everywhere: on social media, in TV ads, on the radio, in conversations with acquaintances, and now that I'm back to spinning, I've experienced it again firsthand.

“Come for Weigh you and take measurements“Every month I will do the same review to evaluate your progress,” were the words the coach said to me after finishing the first lesson.

What other goal should I have if I spin?progress» If not a scale and tape measure? But isn't it enough to feel strong and feel good about myself?

“It's for health. I have to practice to care My health» I repeated these words to myself when I returned home.

As the days passed by dozens Ads flood my social networks. Challenges focused on food and physical activity appear again and again, without even looking for them, and without wanting to consume them.

“28 days challenge without leaving the house”, “Win ​​your morning”, “Abs challenge”, “Be the best version of yourself“. Letter after letter accompanied by women looking on Thin and also very happy; Messages that reinforce the need to see myself as them in order to become a better person and thus be just as happy. ¿It's all about being healthy?

Purpose, health and distinction

the Global Health Organization Health is defined as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” To promote a “healthy” lifestyle, Mexico's health system is developing campaigns aimed at eating a good diet, getting enough sleep and being physically active.

But how can physical activity lead me to a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being (health) if we live with it Pressure to show a body that is socially acceptable?

according to National Discrimination Survey 2022In Mexico, about 40 percent of the population between the ages of 9 and 29 declared that they had been victimized discrimination In the past 12 months Because of weight or heightWhich makes it one of the main causes of discrimination in Mexico.

Social stereotypes, cultural values ​​and beliefs as well as aesthetic beauty canons They emphasize the inaccessible bodyWhich generates a negative image of the body in which we live.

Both men and women care equally about them body shapeSince they are exposed to social and cultural pressures, the female stereotype is characterized by thinness, regardless of the way in which it is achieved.

these Canons of beauty Socially imposed taxes affect those who do not comply with them, generating serious psychological consequences that have been studied, e.g Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and the development of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

When do we allow our body shape to speak to our health, and how long will we continue to build ideals on those dominant bodies that… They have nothing to do with our reality?

As I think about all this, more doubts arise. As of today, I don't have all the answers, I just hope I can see my body in the mirror in 2024 at least. Without feeling fear, rejection or guilt.

*Journalist, teacher, doctoral student in social sciences. His research work is related to health and human development.

Bibliographic reference