On December 10, TLC shared the trailer for its upcoming show “Hot and Heavy” that follows “mixed-weight couples,” meaning one partner is heavier than the other. The release sparked criticism right away, in part because in each case, the woman is the heavier partner, suggesting women’s bodies affect their relationships more than other non-physical aspects […]
Opinion | More male representation needed in body positivity movement
By Paige Lawler, For The Pitt News Since its founding in 1996, the body positivity movement has gained popularity, growing from a single organization to an international movement — but it’s still missing a crucial demographic. Founded by two women, the movement aims to create a community that embraces bodies of every size and is free of […]
I’m fat, and it’s no judgment
By Andrew Walen, LCSW-C, LICSW, CEDS I’m fat. When I said this to my sister a few years ago she practically fell over herself trying to tell me I wasn’t. She insisted I was just a big boned guy and very handsome. I never said I wasn’t handsome. I just said I was fat. […]
Stories about weight loss are too good to be true
By Andrew Walen, LCSW-C, LICSW, CEDS This week I saw a story on CNN way down at the bottom of their webpage. It was titled “Intermittent fasting and a new passion helped him lose 95 pounds.” After a day it was at the middle of the page. By day two it was top story beating […]
My lack of body confidence is ruining my sex life, making me upset whenever my partner tries to ignite romance. Is there anything we can do?
As women, we live in a world where we’re constantly made to think our bodies need to be smaller to be considered beautiful, desirable, and even just worthy of existing — and it sucks. We’re constantly made to believe our bodies need to be smaller to be considered beautiful, desirable, or even just worthy of […]
What Treatment Looks Like For Bulimia Disorder
The thoughts of food can consume every aspect, minute, and ounce of energy of the day for someone with an eating disorder (ED). That fixation on food, weight and shape can be a way to avoid focusing on the other anxieties of life. It becomes a way to cope. Eventually fixation can become an uncontrollable […]
Letting Go of Perfectionism
If you’re like many people, you might think, “What’s wrong with being a perfectionist?” Perfection can easily be confused with having high standards but they’re not the same. High standards can be productive, healthy, and good for your self-esteem. However, perfectionists set standards for themselves that are typically unreasonable and unattainable. They continually strive for […]
Eight Secrets to Cultivating Self-Acceptance
”You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” - Louise Hay Experiencing feelings of shame and worthlessness can have a huge impact on our lives. It can create anxieties and hold us back from pursuing opportunities, relationships, and happiness. Many of our worries stem […]
The Power of a Father
“They don’t love him. They fear him. That’s the difference.” This line was delivered by Lorenzo, played by Robert De Niro, in the film A Bronx Tale as he tries to help his nine-year-old son understand the difference between a gangster, Sunny, who appears to be “loved” by the neighborhood citizens and his bus driver […]
Project Dawn
I grew up with Barbie. I spent countless hours playing with my various Barbies as a child, and kept my collectibles in their boxes. As a matter of fact, I still love Barbie - from my Barbie cell phone case, Barbie attire, Barbie ornaments that decorate my desk at work, to the handheld Barbie mirror […]