My Doctor Told Me I’m Overweight

[Listen to an audio version of this blog here.]

My annual physical is normally short and to the point. Height, weight, blood pressure, throat check, a small conversation about safe sex, double checking that my pap smear is scheduled, double checking that my therapy is going well, and my doctor peels off her white gloves that she didn’t even use. I’m normally in and out of the doctor’s office in under 30 minutes. But this year, my doctor furrowed her brow and said, “It looks like you’re overweight.” I haven’t gained weight in at least 5 years, so I laughed and kicked my shoes like a small child on a park bench watching a balloon artist. Normally, my chart would show that I have a history of an eating disorder, along with the treatment my hospital provided. Because I stopped seeking treatment awhile ago, I figured that bit of pertinent information had disappeared from my chart. I also figured that it doesn’t really matter. At some point, that piece of information should disappear from my health chart if I’ve successfully moved past it.

So, I wasn’t upset that my doctor told me that I’m overweight, but I was amused. She cocked her head, “Why is that funny?” she asked.

“Because I’m not.” I answered. I then attempted to explain that I’m an athlete, and have been for most of my life. My bones are dense, my muscles are dense, and by every…