My decision to focus on gaining weight was deeply influenced by both personal and external
factors. For years, I was repeatedly told by family members and people around me that I was
“too skinny.” These comments affected my self-esteem and made me feel insecure about my
body. This social pressure was a significant factor that pushed me to consider making a change.
At the same time, I was dealing with a thyroid condition that made it physically challenging to
gain weight. The thyroid issue affected my metabolism and energy levels, making it even harder
for me to put on weight despite my efforts. Learning about this medical condition helped me
understand that my body was facing obstacles beyond just diet or exercise, which added
complexity to my decision.
My personal motivation evolved over time—from wanting to “fit in” or stop negative comments,
to genuinely wanting to feel stronger and healthier. I wanted to improve my energy, physical
strength, and overall wellbeing. This internal shift was critical in sustaining my commitment,
especially during moments when progress felt slow. External influences such as advice from
doctors, the encouragement from friends who noticed my efforts, and the information I found
about nutrition and fitness played an important role in shaping my approach. I realized that
gaining weight wasn’t just about eating more; it required a thoughtful balance of medical care,
proper nutrition, and physical activity. Overall, my decision was influenced by a complex mix of
social expectations, health challenges, personal goals, and available information.
Understanding these factors helped me make a realistic and sustainable plan to improve my
health.
If I had to make the decision to gain weight again, I would approach it with more preparation and
support from the start. Instead of trying to figure everything out on my own, I would seek
professional guidance earlier, especially from a registered dietitian who specializes in weight
management and someone knowledgeable about thyroid health. This would have helped me
create a personalized nutrition plan tailored to my specific needs, making the process more
efficient and less frustrating.
I also would have prioritized learning more about my thyroid condition upfront, including how it
affects metabolism and weight. Having detailed medical information earlier would have given me
a clearer understanding of the challenges and how to work with my body rather than against it.
In addition, I would have used tools to track my progress more systematically—such as food
journals, meal plans, and fitness logs—to stay organized and motivated. Joining a support
group or finding a workout buddy, especially when I started boxing, could have added
encouragement and accountability.
Overall, better access to reliable, personalized information and emotional support would have
made my health journey smoother and more effective. I now see that making informed decisions
means combining medical advice, nutrition knowledge, and mental wellbeing, rather than
focusing solely on the physical outcomes.