Jessica Leahy: 'I was wrong about weight loss resolutions'

Maybe there is some merit to them

It's a reality that many of us will inevitably have moments of questioning our bodies or yearning for alternate versions, argues model and author Jessica Leahy.

For most of us, New Year's resolutions generally span various facets of personal development, health, and relationships, seeing us make vows to be the best versions of ourselves in the coming year.

Despite the evolution of this tradition from its early inception over 4000 years ago, weight loss consistently assumes a central role in the annual pursuit of self-improvement.

For a vivid illustration, we can roll our eyes back to 2001 and that New Year's scene from Bridget Jones' Diary. In this iconic cinematic moment, Jones morosely listens to Sad FM while rattling off her resolutions. 

The top of the list? "Resolution number one. Obviously will lose 20lbs." More than two decades later, this scene epitomises our ongoing communal fixation on shedding weight.

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A 2020 study funded by the Department of Psychology at Stockholm University unveiled that the most popular resolutions revolved around physical health, weight loss, and eating habits. This revelation prompts a crucial question: Is weight loss our collective 'Roman Empire'?

Recently, discussions about the frequency of men's thoughts on the Roman Empire took an unexpected turn. While seemingly innocuous, this reflective exercise unveiled a more sinister theme — the persistent desire to be smaller. 

In a video viewed and shared millions of times, TikTok creator Alexandra Gulla shared her struggle, revealing that she has thought about the desire to be "skinnier".

"I used to call it the 'elevator music' in my head," Gulla says. "I've thought once or multiple times a day how I'd like to be smaller, I'd like to be skinnier. My arms, my belly. I've been hyper-aware of my body for 20 years."

Unfortunately, the comments section was filled with individuals virtually nodding in agreement, highlighting a pervasive and concerning consensus.

@alexandragulla

working on this everyday #weightloss #romanempire #bodydismorphia

♬ original sound - Alex

Amid these complexities, how should we navigate this terrain? While I am an unwavering proponent of promoting healthy confidence regardless of one's weight, I do not endorse toxic body positivity. 

Bridget Jones is a poignant reminder of longstanding societal expectations; our heroine was once erroneously (and frustratingly) the poster girl for obesity at 136lbs or 61kgs.

It's a reality that adults navigating the complexities of life will inevitably have moments of questioning their bodies or yearning for alternate versions. It's human. We have to acknowledge that many individuals may resolve to lose weight, as is their right.

You don’t have to look hard to find examples of people picking celebrities and non-famous civilians alike apart to uncover clues about how they’ve trimmed down. 

Do they have Ozempic cheekbones now? Did they cheat? This kind of diet policing is, in my opinion, just another form of body shaming. We’re mostly all trying to do our best right, so let people live. 

Weight aside, another revelation from the Swedish researchers highlights that only 46 per cent of people who make resolutions successfully keep them after six months. This intel prompts us to consider strategies for avoiding the mid-year slump and whether it is possible to maintain a positive body image while losing weight.

Physical performance coach David Tobain emphasises the significance of holistic health goals.

Spend more time slowing down and listening to your body. Image: Getty

"Solely focusing on shedding kilos without incorporating emotional wellbeing and performance objectives can be risky to one's overall sense of positive body image," says Tobain. 

"It's crucial to recognise that weight loss is often a by-product of addressing underlying behaviours rather than viewing the weight itself as the sole issue."

Personal trainer Alana McKinnon shares a similar view, telling her clients they need to know their core fitness motivations.

"I ask people, 'Are you basing your weight loss goals on aesthetics, insecurities or societal expectations?'", says McKinnon. "People should always be anchoring their goals to a better-quality life, longevity and overall health and wellbeing."

McKinnon also argues against particular weight goals because they're hard to maintain, especially for women, as their hormones naturally fluctuate and can impact weight.

"You will constantly be unsatisfied if you only watch the scales," she warns. "Spend more time slowing down, listening to your body and looking after your mental health. If losing weight is your only goal, then you need to do some inner healing and self-love. There is more to life than being worried about your weight."

Both Tobain and McKinnon agree that a holistic approach is essential for fostering a positive body image, ensuring that the pursuit of weight loss is grounded in a genuine desire for overall wellness.

Making small positive changes will have an effect on both your mental and physical health. Image: iStock

"Every day consciously recognise the positive behaviours, actions, and efforts aligned with your best self,” says Tobain.

“Take a moment each evening to reflect on your day, celebrating your achievements and progress toward your goals. This deliberate reflection not only rewires your brain for motivation but also reinforces the satisfaction of consistently working towards and achieving your objectives daily."

All of this to say, as we approach the year's conclusion and people contemplate their 2024 resolutions, whether about weight or not, they should be rooted in themes of self-acceptance and a sincere commitment to overall health.

The only way to defeat our Roman Empires is to embrace new physical behaviours while mentally liberating ourselves from societal expectations regarding how our bodies are present in the world.

This way, irrespective of the number on the scale in six months or a year, we're actively embarking on an authentic journey toward self-acceptance and fulfilment and fostering a more balanced life ahead.

Originally published as Jessica Leahy: 'I was wrong about weight loss resolutions'