The Weight of Stigma: My Story of Resilience

in #hn-wk682 days ago

Overweight is a long-term (chronic) health condition that progresses over time. It is defined by excess body fat (adipose tissue) that may impair health. Overweight means that one has extra body weight or having a high amount of extra body fat.

In my family, we almost have the same body weight but mine is a bit bigger than the rest people. When I was small my Mum fed me with indomie, macaroni, spaghetti, rice beans in fact those are my favorite dishes. That made me develop breast at the age of six. If I taste another dish like swallow foods such as pounded yam, garri, foofoo, semovita etc. it's just once a while. I grew up to love these food so much to the extent that I can't do without taking them in a day.

One day, I went to our village to visit my grandparents, it's only motorbike that are plying the street. When I came from the main road to climb a bike to the village, the bikeman started embarrassing me.
Me: Good afternoon Sir
Bike man: Good afternoon Mummy
Me: Please Sir, I'm not mummy
Bike man: Says who? This is exactly how my grand mother was before she died.
Me: So, you are now calling me your grand mother because I want to climb your bike ehh. It's not your fault, God will judge you.
Bike man: Eh, don't you see how you look? You look so ugly and shapeless. Amoeba.
Me: It's your family that is Amoeba, idiot, nonsense.
Bike man: If you say that again I will beat you and nothing will happen.
Me: Beat me now, I held on him. So, he slapped me. I said Jesus, you mean, you beat me truly? That was how I rushed to him and pushed him, he fell down flat, I beat him mercilessly. As if that was not enough, I sat on top of him, he couldn't get up because he is very slim. I poured sand into his mouth. He shouted. God help me ooooooo, this lady has killed me ooooo. Other bike men were there and was laughing, mocking and making jest of him. You thought she is your wife that you use to maltreat. It's not that I'm powerful but God helped me to conquer him because of the insults, so that he will know how to control his tongue.

During my NYSC year, I went to my place of assignment in the village, the bike man billed me N1,000 instead of N500. I climbed the bike to the Camp because I had no option than to pay it. When we were returning, I was fortunate to get a Taxi back to the town, but the space I occupied alone was for two people, that was how I paid double transportation fee. Bike men don't like to carry me because of my body size. I always waste time on the road in that regard.

So, since that day, I vow to reduce my body weight by reducing my food intake instantly. I proceeded doing exercise every morning. I did it for one week and stopped, I became fatter than before. When I was to be put to bed, my hobby couldn't carry me, on his attempt to carry me by force, he messed pom, pom. I thank God for him because he didn't defeacate/urinate on his body. I greeted him, sorry sir, he answered yes my love.

Furthermore, one of my school mates advised that I should not stop it and that if I stop, I will be more larger than before. According to her, she highlighted some points that I should follow.

  1. That I should gradually introduce healthier options (swallow foods, fruits, vegetables)
  2. That I should curtail portion sizes.
  3. That I should limit processed foods (indomie, macaroni, etc.)
  4. That I should drink plenty of water.
  5. That I should start with short, manageable sessions (i.e. 20-30 minutes) of exercise.
  6. That I should find activities I enjoy most I.e. walking, jogging, yoga, swimming.
  7. That I should schedule exercise into my daily routine.
  8. That I should consider consulting a fitness professional for encouragement.
  9. That I should share my struggles with a trusted friend or family member.
  10. That I should join a weight loss support group.
  11. That I should celebrate small victories along the way.
  12. That I should practice self-compassion and self-care.
  13. That I should consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
  14. That I should track my progress (weight, measurements, blood pressure).
  15. That I should address underlying health concerns (if any).
  16. That I should consult National Health Service (NHS) Weight Loss Guide.
  17. That I should consult Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) Weight Loss Tips.
  18. That I should consult World Health Organization (WHO) Obesity Prevention.
    So, I was able to reduce more. That is the main reason I wish my body weight would have been reduced to normalcy.

Effects of overweight
The reason why I really want to reduce is as follows:

  • I always pay double transport fair.
  • I eat double portion of food.
  • I sleep alone, if someone sleeps on the same bed with me, the person will not be comfortable.
  • I spend a lot of money for feeding daily.
  • I can't run faster.
  • I can't walk far distance.
  • I always feel tired.
  • I later eat twice a day.
  • Being overweight raises risk for health problems.
  • Even if I'm totally down financially, nobody wants to assist because they thought I have enough money.
  • My friends always come to me for assistance.
  • 6 yards of clothe is not enough to sew my gown let alone sew skirt and blouse.
  • I look more mature than my age mates.

Pictures was generated from Internet