In Her Own Words: Chanay Walton finds Covid a weighty matter
As the pandemic appears to be winding down, we look at what mattered most. Chanay Walton’s weight loss firm understood its mission was helping people stay alive.
“When the pandemic first hit, I don’t think anyone could have guessed the long-term effects it would have, not only on the general ways we go about our days, but also on a more internal and individual level. We were just not prepared for the impact that long-term isolation and significant lifestyle changes has had on each of us. And at the same time, we were becoming more aware of the outside health risks that came with being overweight — weight was a large determinant in Covid-19 symptoms and severity.
So, as the founder of a weight loss company, I had to evaluate: where did A Better Weigh fit into the discussion? On one hand, more people were seeking new ways to get (and stay) healthy. My potential client base and business was growing. At the same time, I faced an incredible challenge: how could we adjust our services to fit the needs of clients whose bodies have undergone the daily burdens and stress put on by the pandemic? How do we meet people where they are?
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The virus has ignited a new wave of body image and weight issues that we haven’t really seen before. Aside from the potential risk of contracting the virus itself, the lifestyle changes Covid-19 has forced us all to make have placed innate stress and pressure on our bodies. We’re not moving as much, we’re spending less time physically within our communities and social circles, and we’re dealing with the uncertainty and pain that comes with such a widespread, ongoing issue. As a company, we have been, and still are, seeking new ways to support people through a more isolated time in their lives, while also establishing the most effective path to results in a safe, healthy and comfortable way.
Like many new challenges that the pandemic has brought about, adverse health outcomes caused by Covid-19 are disproportionately affecting minority communities, particularly the Black community. Research shows that, for BIPOC individuals throughout the country, there’s a lack of access to adequate physical and mental healthcare, and it is taking a toll on our bodies and well-being. Systemic barriers are incredibly large for a single person to dismantle. Still, I’m working my hardest to make effective weight loss solutions more accessible and affordable for my community.
While Covid-19 has disrupted and uprooted many of our lives, it has also been a breeding ground for change. It’s been hard, but it’s forced us to truly acknowledge societal inequities and begin essential conversations about dismantling the problems at hand.
I believe everyone should have access to adequate healthcare, including weight loss and management services that work for them. At A Better Weigh, we use a unique approach that allows us to individualize our scientifically-backed approach to weight loss. Everyone’s body is different, and so is each person’s journey toward weight loss and healthy living. Through our process, we are able to expand our services and client base and offer each unique person the support and resources needed for healthy weight loss.
There’s incredible potential in the industry for symbiotic relationships — we’re able to thrive as business owners, and our clients can overcome the barriers preventing them from achieving their goals.”
This is a time of virtual community and sharing. If you would like to contribute to this ongoing narrative on the impact of the pandemic, please send an e-mail to esherberg@bizjournals.com.