The commentary on her physique persisted even after her weight loss.

Despite her weight loss, remarks regarding her body persisted, indicating that the focus on her physical appearance remained unchanged. This suggests that the commentary was not solely related to her weight but possibly reflects a broader issue regarding societal expectations and perceptions of women's bodies. The persistence of such comments underscores the challenges many individuals face in navigating societal norms and expectations surrounding body image.

After losing weight, Allie Olivares said she still experiences body dysmorphia. Photo Illustration by Connie Chen/CNN/Adobe Stock

CNN - "I continue to struggle with significant body dysmorphia," explained Olivares, a resident of Philadelphia. "When I glance at myself in the mirror, it's akin to viewing a distorted reflection, where one moment I perceive myself accurately, but upon looking again, my body appears significantly larger."

After losing weight with the GLP-1 agonist medication, which is marketed as Zepbound for weight loss, Olivares acknowledges the positive impact on her life. However, she emphasizes that weight loss doesn't solve all problems. Even well-intended comments about her smaller body can evoke feelings of inadequacy, reinforcing the idea that her worth is solely based on appearance. Psychologist Alexis Conason emphasizes that weight loss shouldn't be seen as a cure-all.

Although Allie Olivares feels like the same person before and after her weight loss, she says people treat her differently now. Jamie Stow

Body image is not always tied to body size

Conason, a certified eating disorder specialist, highlights that losing weight doesn't always silence negative body image thoughts. Body image, she explains, is internalized and not solely based on weight. Many people find that even after weight loss, they still struggle with body dissatisfaction, which may perpetuate a harmful cycle of striving for further weight reduction. Conason suggests prioritizing efforts to improve body image separate from weight loss endeavors. Dr. Genesis Ettienne underscores the importance of cultivating self-confidence regardless of body size, emphasizing that body acceptance and confidence are not solely tied to weight.

The comments don’t stop

Since her weight loss, Olivares has observed that people often initiate social interactions with comments about her body. While part of her feels gratified by the validation of her smaller body, she also experiences discomfort. Conason highlights the problem of societal norms where weight loss is seen as an open invitation for public commentary, emphasizing the personal nature of one's body and the inappropriateness of discussing it publicly.

"It's essential to refrain from commenting on people's bodies, especially in the context of weight loss," emphasized Conason. She stressed that a person's body doesn't tell the whole story, as weight loss can result from diverse factors like eating disorders or grief. Such remarks can intrude on individuals' privacy and make them feel uncomfortably scrutinized. Ettienne supported this view, highlighting how clients often feel their identity is oversimplified by others' focus on their weight loss.

What you can do about it

Setting boundaries around discussing your body with others is crucial, she emphasized. Whether through direct communication or deflecting conversations, it's essential to assert your comfort levels. Addressing body dysmorphia may involve avoiding triggers like mirrors and reflecting on its underlying causes. Seeking professional help from specialists in eating disorder care is recommended for those struggling with body image issues or harmful weight loss cycles.

Source: CNN‍