Too fat or too thin, but never quite right

This summer, I finally reached my weight goal after struggling for over two decades.

I gained over 20 kgs in high school in three months. It was a shock to me and my family, and ever since I have tried to lose weight. It did not just affect my self-esteem but also my health.

‘Moti’ became synonymous with my name.

‘How could you let yourself get so fat?’ people asked me.

They made fun of me when I was at my heaviest, and they continue to criticise me as I work towards being healthier.

I had tried everything possible to lose weight quickly, but as easy as it is to gain weight, it is as difficult to lose it. So when I finally managed to do it, I shared it on my social media, only to be met with backlash.

‘You looked better before.’

‘I would never deprive myself of food.’

‘Are you okay? We are worried about you.’

‘You have an eating disorder.’

In college, I did not live a healthy lifestyle. Partying, overindulging in food and alcohol, and barely sleeping did not help matters. I wanted to be healthy, but I was not doing anything to change my bad habits.