Ricarda Lang, the former chair of the Green Party (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen) and currently serving as a Bundestag representative, has made headlines for her notable weight loss and her candid discussions about the health-driven reasons behind it. Speaking for the first time on the subject, she opened up about how her past struggles with weight and the accompanying public scrutiny influenced her relationship with health and nutrition.
Lang, 31, has shed significant pounds, stating, "Das Abnehmen war geplant und hart erarbeitet, schon seit letztem Frühjahr" (The weight loss was planned and hard-earned, starting last spring), as reported by Die Zeit. Her determination to get healthier emerged from the demands of her high-pressure political career, as she explained, "Ich habe einen Job, der wahnsinnig auslaugt, und ich will ihn noch ein paar Jahre machen. Da sollte ich ein bisschen mehr auf mich achten" (I have a job that's exhausting, and I want to do it for several more years; I should take care of myself more).
Much of the public perception of Lang has been overshadowed by cruelty and body shaming, with her facing relentless online harassment concerning her appearance. This negative attention contributed to her reluctance to engage with topics surrounding her body, nutrition, and fitness. "Das waren für mich angstbesetzte Themen" (These were anxiety-laden topics for me), Lang reflected, noting how they had kept her from addressing her health for too long.
Despite the negativity she encountered, her weight loss was not merely a response to external pressures. "Manchmal war auch Trotz dabei, dass ich dachte, nee, von euch lasse ich mich da nicht reindrängen" (Sometimes there was defiance, with me thinking, no, I won’t let you push me around), she expressed, emphasizing her resilience. This process led her to adopt healthier habits, such as cooking at home more, increasing her physical activity, and managing her alcohol consumption.
Lang acknowledged the psychological impact her mother's support had on her self-worth. She credits her upbringing for the mental strength to withstand the critiques as she navigated the challenges of political life. "Ich habe immer das Gefühl, dass ich auf einem sehr stabilen Fundament gebaut bin, und kein Kommentar und keine Anfeindung mich als ganze Person zum Einstürzen bringen kann" (I have always felt like I am built on very stable ground, and no comment or insult can crumble me as a whole person), she noted.
Through her weight loss, Lang finds herself facing another dilemma—her role as a body positivity symbol. Despite shedding pounds, she reflects on how her presence as a plus-size woman had earlier helped many feel represented. Now, she grapples with the fear of betraying those who saw her as role model. "Jetzt denke ich manchmal: Oh Gott, verrate ich diese Frauen jetzt?" (Now I sometimes think: Oh my God, am I betraying these women?), she shared, wrestling with the notion of success tied to weight.
Lang's reflection on her well-being encompasses more than just physical health; she describes feeling emotionally reassured since making these changes. "Die Welt ist ein bisschen freundlicher geworden" (The world has become somewhat friendlier), she remarked, noting how her mobility improved, making everyday activities easier.
Her struggle to detach from societal expectations surrounding weight and beauty forms the crux of her message: it is imperative to create space where discussions about health and body image occur without disparagement. "Ich glaube, wenn es einfach ein bisschen normal wäre, die Körper von anderen nicht zu kommentieren, würden sich mehr Leute mit dem Thema Gesundheit auseinandersetzen" (I believe if it were just a little more normal to not comment on the bodies of others, more people would engage with the topic of health), she advocates.
While Lang's role as a public figure brings certain pressures, she remains committed to her political career, reflecting on how the weight loss has changed not only her physique but also how she manages her time and responsibilities. Her candidness promotes awareness about the often opposing facets women face within political arenas, stressing the need for reform and empathy.
Lang continues to advocate for necessary change within political structures and society at large, signaling her unwavering dedication to her constituents and the causes she champions. Her openness about health and body image positions her as not only a politician but also as someone initiating powerful conversations within her community.