My skinny figure is a national issue in my family discussed by my parents, friends, relatives, distant relatives across the country, colleagues and even strangers! Yes, I have even overheard a few ladies in the train discussing me being skinny. My answer to all of them is simple – I just have a high metabolism rate, people.
There are so many benefits of being skinny. I always have a bit of extra energy stored in my body even after a tiring day at work. I manage to get into the crowded Virar train at peak hours and fit onto the fourth seat without fighting a war. I have a low risk when it comes to serious health issues, especially those caused by obesity. I gorge on desi ghee, Mcdonald’s burger with extra cheese and desserts without anybody commenting, ‘zyaada khaayegi toh moti ho jaayegi‘.
It all depends on perception. To the world I appear as someone who will get blown away by a strong gust of wind or someone who will find it difficult to fight back if a bigger woman picks up a fight with me. But the big lady too probably has troubles of her own. She too is probably made conscious of her figure and is perennially trying to wage a battle against her body to shed a few extra kilos. When friends ask me the secret to being skinny, I really don’t have an answer as this is how I have always been.
I have tried my best to make my loved ones feel better about my weight, but all my efforts are in vain. Every time someone meets me after a long time, they first thing they say is, ‘You’ve lost weight again?’ and my response to them is always, ‘When have I ever put on weight to lose it again?’
I don’t know if people will ever stop harping on it. As of today, strong is the new skinny, tomorrow fat may be the new skinny and we may all return back someday to skinny being the new skinny. But whatever the size or shape that is in vogue at any point during my lifetime, one thing is for certain. I am happy being skinny.
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