Hey Eva, thanks for taking the time to write this response. I can see where you're coming from, and perhaps I wasn't clear, but this article was not meant as "advice." It was more just personal expression. I've also not gained that much weight at all, probably <5% of my body weight, which is why I said if it was more I'd be legitimately worried. I also don't meet the criteria for obesity or even overweight. I'm just a little chonkier than I was.

I do try to eat reasonably healthy food and I exercise about 5 days a week, doing strength training and jogging. The only real physical activities I've missed out on is the hiking and snowboarding I used to do with friends, as well as the commutes and general walking-down-the-street.

And yes, while my dad likes to treat me, our family eats A LOT of vegetables. It's part of our traditional cuisine to always include a big bowl of choy with dinner. And I daresay my dad's choy game has improved a lot since lockdown began too!

Anyway, I hope this gives you some context of where I'm coming from/ By no means am I advocating we be lazy and motionless forever. I'm just advocating for a little more self-compassion because these are extraordinary times and it's unreasonable to hold ourselves up to the same standards as we did pre-pandemic.

Again, thank you for writing a well thought out response. Even though you disagree, you did so in a very polite and warm manner and I appreciate that. - Charmaine