Heather Gay reveals double standard after 30-pound weight loss journey

Heather Gay knows the challenges of maintaining a flawless appearance whether on camera, through her lucrative beauty business, or as a former member of the Mormon church.

The “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star was surprised to be treated so differently after losing 30 pounds with weight-loss injections. Gay admitted that taking care of her health and using GLP-1 really changed her entire relationship with food and her body.

“Because for the first time in my life I have some power and control over something that surprises me,” Gay said. But critics still found a way to pick apart the reality star.

“When I was heavier, I was a pretty outspoken, tough person, and everyone thought it was funny,” Gay said, before explaining, “When I was a less heavy, tough, outspoken person, I was an angry bitch.”

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Despite losing weight, an Atkins spokesperson was adamant that the only thing that had changed about her was the number on the scale.

“Everyone thinks I’m a different person now. I’m exactly the same person,” Gay said. “I like the same foods. I like the same activities. I like the same people. The smallest change is who I am. The biggest change is the size of my pants. That’s really it.”

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“The hardest thing to come to terms with was that people’s attention is now very positive, whereas before it was quite negative about my body and really the way I looked.”

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Gay is no stranger to putting on a brave face and has used his voice and television star status to campaign against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The bestselling author says he was taught from a young age that “perfection could be achieved” in the Mormon church.

Heather stars on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” alongside Lisa Barlow, Mary Cosby, Heather Gay, Whitney Rose and Meredith Marks. (Clark Kirkland)

“As a culture, you know, while I’m a Mormon, we want our lives to be beautiful. We want our lives to be like Instagram shots, and I think we have a very gendered culture,” Gay said. “I think this culture affects us as women by putting a lot of pressure on us to look a certain way. It’s a patriarchal culture, and the only way you can really have power or money is through your beauty. And if it’s not in your wheelhouse, that can be discouraging.”

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While Gay has been outspoken against the church between his memoir “Bad Mormon” and the docuseries “Surviving Mormonism,” he was surprised to see how many people supported his weight-loss efforts but not his desire to leave the church.

“I mean, everyone wants you to lose weight. Before and after, everyone supported me. Nobody ever said, ‘Are you sure this is what you want to do? Are you sure this is a better choice for you or your family,'” she said.

Heather Gay detailed her weight loss journey with GLP-1s. (Bravo)

“It’s shocking that weight loss is universally celebrated, but when you unload something much heavier that puts a much greater burden on my heart, mind and soul, it’s heavily criticized. But lose a few pounds and you’re a hero.”

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He noted that there is a kind of “secrecy and shame” in the Mormon community about not being born perfect. The mother of three maintains open and honest communication with the women in her household with the goal of changing the narrative around physical and personal beauty standards.

“I want my daughters’ focus to be on nurturing our bodies in a way that can carry us through life and accomplish anything we ask them to do,” she said. “And you have to remember that for the majority of my life, people considered me completely overweight. I didn’t see myself as anything other than who I was.”

“But I was very aware that the world wanted more from me and was disappointed in the way I looked. So being able to lose weight, feel healthy, and support my body in a way that set a good example for my daughters, and without being ashamed or secretive, was a new chapter for me.”

Heather Gay praised Atkins for its accessible snack options for her family. (Atkins)

Gay praised Atkins for helping him maintain his weight loss and also for providing his family with accessible snack options.

“My kids can see that I can be healthy, maintain my weight loss, and still eat delicious regular snacks and treats,” she said.

“It’s like our cupboards are full, our refrigerator is stocked. We don’t have to get in the car and drive somewhere without asking if we need a protein shake. Do you need a bar? Do you need something to get you going?”

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