Sydney McLaughlin Opens Up About Avoiding Weighing Scales: “I Can’t Take Anymore Negativity and Lies”

Olympic gold medalist **Sydney McLaughlin** has opened up about her decision to stop using weighing scales, explaining how she has become “kinder” to herself when it comes to body image. In a deeply personal interview, McLaughlin shared the struggles she has faced with body image pressures, acknowledging that her previous obsession with weight and external expectations took a serious toll on her mental and emotional health.

“I can’t take anymore negativity and lies,” McLaughlin said, reflecting on how she used to let numbers on a scale dictate her mood and self-worth. The 24-year-old track star, who shattered world records in the 400m hurdles and became one of the most dominant figures in athletics, admitted that focusing on weight led to a harmful cycle of comparison and insecurity. “There was a time when I would get on the scale every day, and if the number wasn’t what I expected, it would ruin my whole mindset,” she explained.

McLaughlin’s decision to move away from weighing herself marks a significant shift in her approach to health and wellness. Instead of obsessing over numerical values, she now focuses on how she feels physically and mentally. “I’ve learned that your worth isn’t tied to what you weigh,” she said. “It’s about how your body feels, how it performs, and how you treat it. I’ve started to be kinder to myself and listen to my body instead of letting external pressures affect me.”

The athlete noted that as she matured and became more comfortable with her success, she realized that body image struggles were not only a personal issue but also a societal one. “There’s so much external noise, especially for women in sports. People think they know what you should look like or how you should be,” McLaughlin said. “But the truth is, we are all different, and it’s okay not to conform to unrealistic standards.”

Her journey toward self-acceptance was not instantaneous, and McLaughlin admitted that it took time for her to embrace this healthier perspective. With social media often amplifying unrealistic expectations, it’s easy for athletes—and especially women—to get caught up in comparisons. However, McLaughlin’s decision to stop weighing herself is part of a larger commitment to prioritize mental health and overall well-being.

“I feel like I’m in a much better place now,” McLaughlin shared. “It’s about taking care of yourself from the inside out, and that’s something I’m really focused on moving forward.”

By sharing her story, McLaughlin hopes to encourage others, especially young women, to find empowerment in self-acceptance and to let go of the harmful pressures that can distort body image. In doing so, she is advocating for a healthier, more inclusive definition of strength and beauty.