Yes, I really did receive a press release which states:
“BIKINI PANIC” BEGINS IN AMERICA AS BATHING SUIT SEASON EXPOSES COVID-QUARANTINE BODIES”
“WEIGHT GAIN DURING QUARANTINE LEADS TO SPIKE IN WEIGHT-INQUIRIES AT DOCTORS OFFICES AS REGION’S BEACHES AND POOLS BEGIN TO REOPEN”
Here it is in almost in its entirety ( I did delete the physician’s name – a plastic surgeon and his accompanying bio):
Panic about bikinis? Inquiries at doctors offices about beaches and weight gain? Considering what is happening in the world , what can I say?
Where do I begin with what’s wrong with anyone sending out such a press release besides the fact that it’s tone deaf. Yes, it’s ignoring the social unrest and upheaval dealing with racial inequality or even the slight (sic) matter that we’re currently in the middle of a pandemic. Forgive me for thinking that inquiries about pool or beach going might have to do with protection from the coronavirus.
Then there’s the whole issue of talking about Covid-quarantine bodies. Yes, there are many people who have not been eating well during quarantine. That’s an understatement. Some have gained weight while others have lost. And there are many reasons behind what may have caused either one – all kinds of stress, loneliness, a shortage of healthy food, lack of routine, – but no matter what the reasons, talking about “Bikini Panic” now or at anytime is nothing less than stunning.
Commenting about a person’s weight has long been something that riles me up. Even though we live in a weight-obsessed society, fat bashing or complimenting someone on their thinness is incredibly inappropriate. But to have medical professionals soliciting business like this now? It’s incredibly infuriating to think that someone would try to capitalize on the pain and suffering we’ve all gone through over the past number of months.
Yes, as a dietitian, I do feel that healthy eating and active living are key to one’s sense of well-being but what a person’s body looks like should not be anyone else’s business and certainly not the cause for panic.
And anyone who says anything different should consider going back into self-isolation to do some serious introspection about what is truly appropriate.
Please share your thoughts on this press release below.
Enlightened Eater 
Who released it? Somebody in New York State? It seems like spam to me. Just delete it and move on.
It was from a New York-based plastic surgeon. I removed his name and the bio.
If that plastic surgeon is Stephen T. Greenberg, his name is still at the bottom of this press release. As it should be! This kind of blatant opportunistic greed coming from medical “professionals” should be named and shamed.
Arrrrrgh!
Oops- I removed his contact info at the bottom but hadn’t realized I had not done so in the body of the release. Oh well! You’re right, he should be shamed!
I agree with you 100%. We are trying to give girls a good self image regardless of size and shape. And why is it still cheaper to eat junk food? People should be able to get healthy food, even if it has to be subsidized for some.
Yes, Vicky, there are so many issues here! Yes, it is truly amazing how cheap junk food can be and in these times of financial hardship for many, it can make healthy eating so difficult. We need change!