Measuring around my middle, keeping the band just even with my belly button, I read the number off the pink, flexible tape aloud: 47.5 inches. According to the standard measurement for waistline health from the CDC, I’m 12.5 inches above the target for women, 35 inches. I’m a 5’8, 31-year-old who moves between sizes 12 and 14, practices hot yoga 4-5 times a week, and is, according to this chart, something called “centrally obese.” Looking at my mid-size body, that’s probably not the term most people would go for, but the BMI chart and the CDC’s guidelines made it clear: I’m not just overweight. I’m obese.

Wow.