There does not seem to be a day that goes by that the obesity epidemic that plagues the United States is not addressed in the news. What is not as common, however, are stories that feature a protagonist who struggles with gaining weight.
Frances Chan was recently in the news because of her claim that Yale University threatened to suspend her unless she put on a few pounds. According to the story, the University sought to help Chan with her "low weight diagnosis" by providing nutritional support, as well as mental health counseling. Unable to produce the immediate results that the University wanted, Chan remained at risk for being asked to leave school. Eventually, the University apologized for their mistake, but their actions have not gone unnoticed by those with weight gain issues.
People who struggle with maintaining a healthy weight know all too well that "stuffing their faces with ice cream and Cheetos" will not solve their problems. They also know that pounds do not pack-on overnight. Gaining weight healthfully requires a great deal of attention to nutritional details, meal planning, and workout regimens. It also calls for no more than 1 to 2 lb increases per week.
When unrealistic expectations are placed upon individuals, like they were in the case at Yale, weight gain will not be successful nor will it suit the individual's wellness in the long run!
If you struggle with needing to gain weight, please comment below. I would love to start a conversation around healthfully "boosting bulk!"
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