I was always very body-conscious. Especially when I was transitioning, taking hormones and things. I noticed that I would gain weight quicker. So I would exercise and diet, so everything was how I'd like to look.

The quote "I was always very body-conscious. Especially when I was transitioning, taking hormones and things. I noticed that I would gain weight quicker. So I would exercise and diet, so everything was how I'd like to look" by Amanda Lepore speaks to her personal experience with body image and the challenges she faced while undergoing transition. Lepore reflects on how being body-conscious was a constant part of her life, particularly during her transition, which involved hormone treatments that affected her metabolism and weight.

Lepore’s mention of noticing that she would gain weight more easily due to the hormonal changes highlights a common struggle faced by many during significant physical transformations. Her response was to exercise and diet to maintain control over her body and ensure she felt comfortable with her appearance. This reflects the intersection of self-awareness and the effort required to maintain a certain look, particularly when going through profound physical and emotional changes.

By emphasizing her efforts to diet and exercise, Lepore shows that these choices were a way for her to feel empowered during a time when her body was undergoing noticeable changes. Dieting and exercising became tools for her to reclaim a sense of agency over her physical appearance. Her focus on how she looked also speaks to the broader theme of body image and the lengths people go to feel confident and aligned with their self-image.

Ultimately, Amanda Lepore’s quote offers a glimpse into the personal struggles and strategies that individuals may face when experiencing significant changes in their bodies, particularly during gender transition. It underscores the importance of self-care and the connection between physical health and self-esteem in navigating transitions, both physical and emotional.