In the 20 long, hungry years between my late teens and late 30s I bought in to virtually every new diet and/or exercise regime that hoved into view, particularly at this most vulnerable time for those of us prone to poor body image - a new year.

In this quote, Arabella Weir reflects on the struggles she faced with diet and exercise regimes over the course of two decades. She describes how, during the "long, hungry years" between her late teens and late 30s, she tried nearly every new diet or exercise trend that emerged, particularly around the time of New Year’s, a period often associated with setting new health goals. Weir’s use of "hungry" not only refers to physical hunger but also to the emotional and mental craving for an idealized body, which led her to continually chase the latest fitness fads.

Weir’s statement speaks to the impact of poor body image, especially during times when societal pressures around appearance are most intense, such as the beginning of a new year. She suggests that those who struggle with body image are particularly vulnerable to being influenced by new trends, as the desire for change or improvement can feel overwhelming. The timing of New Year’s resolutions, often focused on health or fitness, exacerbates this vulnerability, making people more likely to engage in quick-fix diets or extreme exercise routines.

The origin of this quote reflects Weir’s personal experiences and struggles with self-image. As a writer and comedian, she has used her own experiences with body image, dieting, and the pressures of the entertainment industry to inform her work. This quote is part of her broader commentary on how society’s obsession with appearance often leads individuals to make decisions based on temporary motivations rather than long-term well-being.

Ultimately, Weir’s words highlight the cycle of trying different diets and exercise regimes driven by external pressures, especially when vulnerable due to low body confidence. She underscores the importance of self-compassion and finding a more balanced, sustainable approach to health, rather than constantly chasing the next quick fix for body image issues.