Being underweight. There is always talk on how hard it is to be obese. But this side of the table is equally difficult. You can’t complain about being thin because people think you are showing off. They think it is amazing to be thin. What they don’t get is how hard it is for us to gain weight. No matter how hard you try, you keep losing weight. The problem arises when you are stuck with a busy schedule and don’t have time to eat proper food. The worst part is when people ask you why you became so thin when you go back for vacations. They think you are on a diet but only you know that you try to eat everything possible. You get tired easily and you feel super cold. Does that happen to me alone?
When I was small, I kept fluctuating from thin to chubby all the time. I remember until Grade 2, I was thin. During the summer break, I didn’t come to India for the vacation so I used to sit in front of the TV all the time watching my favourite cartoons on Cartoon Network and e-Vision (A kid’s channel from Etisalat). I loved watching TV and used to watch whatever my brother watches as well. I had a tiny blue colour chair that I sat on comfortably to watch. The consequences of all this were me gaining weight. I had a cute belly. I remained in this constant state until 10th grade. I was chubby compared to now and people still called me small. That might have been because of my height as well. After 11th, I became thin by I don’t know what means. I lost a little weight during my summer break when I had to walk to my coaching centre every day.
In college, it is needless to say that I became thinner. Staying in a hostel and not being pampered with mother’s food will make any kid thin. It wasn’t a very drastic change in the beginning. I used to go every day for dance practice and it became a part of my routine in college. I lost some weight because of that. In my 3rd year, I lost some weight in 5th sem. I got out of my dance team for reasons I don’t want to mention here and later I hoped I would gain weight. It is a given that after you stop any vigorous training, you are bound to put on weight. I was hoping that would happen and make me regain my chubby face. Sadly, the complete opposite happened. I lost a lot of weight in my 6th semester and became very thin. In my final year, I tried to gain weight by eating as much as possible but it was just never possible to gain a few kilograms at all. I went to the extent of buying a bottle of ghee and adding it to everything I eat. It had no effect. Why was it so hard? I still have no clue. Every vacation when I go home, I increase 2 Kgs and come back. But, it reduces very fast.
Now, coming to the worst part of all. I am in a phase of life where I have to take care of my studies, career and health. My weight won’t last for long because of the stress I am put under here in MBA. Also, the food is totally not what I can eat and gain weight. It’s going to be a tough two years. My battle is not going to be with just getting good grades and placements but also my weight.
People might think I am sick or overreacting. I’m NOT. This article is for everyone to know that it is hard being on our side as well. Don’t come and complain to people like me calling us too thin. This is in support of all the underweight people in the world. I can relate to you! Let’s get stronger by eating food with the nutrients we need like rice, almonds, yoghurt, milk, potato etc. Let’s eat healthily but rise steadily. We can do it! This is a pledge to a healthier life. Health first, studies next!
World of Jeana 