My journey from wearing XS to large size

Back in my school days, every time my teachers would meet my parents at the parent-teacher meeting, they would be more 'concerned' about my health. I have a pale complexion and my parents have had enough of listening to comments like, 'iska rang kitna peela hai, doctor ko dikhaya hai?' 'Isko kuch khanay ko daitay ho bhe kay nahi?' 'Bari ho kay achi nahi lagegi, isko chuqandar (beetroot) ka juice pilaya kero.'

I was never anemic.

As I grew up and hit my teens, I faced severe acne and skin breakout. Honestly, it was depressing seeing my flawless skin getting the worst acne, acne marks, pores and pimples. Even if I wanted to feel normal, people would remind me how a pimple was popping up or how ugly it looked. I had skipped going to family shaadis because I knew people would remind me of my acne jaisay meray ghar tou ayina (mirror) tha he nahi na. I started going to see a skin specialist, and after investing a lot of money and care, my skin was getting better.

Till last year, I would wear small size pret. But then I started noticing a difference. I was not fitting into small size clothes. Within a few months, the medium was not size anymore. My body would look ugly in medium-size and thanks to the people around me who kept on telling me that I am gaining a lot and I should work out, eat clean and what not. Finally, I decided to wear large size shirts which would hide my fat. And it felt so good when people didn't pass comments on my weight because at last, I was tired of listening to those remarks.

The thing is that people only see the physical appearance and the changes in physical appearance. If a person's body is changing dramatically, please note that they know about it better than anyone else. Ankhein unkay pass bhe hain. You have no idea what I or so many girls are going through. People don't understand the struggle of those people. It is much more than gaining weight or acne on the face. It has affected my memory, sleep, it leads to anxiety at times, terrible mood swings, which might lead to other mental health issues

PS, Some people are fighting battles at different levels and they are least concerned about the weight. Next time you see someone gaining, remember they are the warriors!