Empowering Women with Skin Disorders
Women with skin disorders and autoimmune conditions often face stigma, isolation, and low self-esteem. WhyWeight empowers these women through strength training, fostering confidence, community, and holistic healing. We partner with local gyms to offer free memberships, support groups, and wellness resources that help women reclaim their power—physically and emotionally.
Who we are
At WhyWeight, we believe that strength comes in many forms. Our community is built for women navigating life with skin disorders and autoimmune conditions—offering more than just fitness. We’re here to foster confidence, build resilience, and shift the narrative around what it means to thrive in your own skin.
Our Mission
To transform the lives of women through movement, mentorship, and support. By promoting weightlifting as a path to healing—physically and emotionally—we aim to create safe spaces where every woman feels seen, strong, and supported.
Our Vision
A future where visible conditions are not a source of shame, but symbols of strength. We strive to normalize conversations about skin and autoimmune conditions, and to build a world where every woman feels empowered to prioritize her well-being—inside and out.
Strength in Every Layer
Program Overview
At WhyWeight, our mission is to empower women with skin disorders and autoimmune conditions to improve their physical and mental health. Here's a closer look at what we do.
Educational Workshops
Our nonprofit will host workshops to educate participants on the benefits of weightlifting for managing skin disorders and autoimmune conditions. Topics will include the science behind exercise and its impact on cellular health, as well as practical tips for integrating weightlifting into daily routines.
Gym Partnerships
We will partner with weightlifting gyms in the DMV area to provide free or discounted memberships to members of our nonprofit.
In exchange, gyms will benefit from increased visibility and the positive publicity associated with supporting a charitable cause.
How does it work?
Once you fill out our Google Form, we’ll get to know more about your goals, your story, and what kind of movement feels good in your body.
Whether you're new to fitness or looking for a specific type of exercise, we’ll work to match you with a gym partner that aligns with your preferences.
Support Groups and Mentorship
We will establish support groups where participants can share their experiences and encourage one another.
A mentorship program will pair women who have successfully managed their conditions through weightlifting with new participants, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
Our Story
WhyWeight was born out of lived experience. Our founder was diagnosed with vitiligo, an autoimmune skin condition that brought not only physical symptoms, but emotional challenges—shame, isolation, and a feeling of disconnection from her own body.
Everything changed when she discovered weightlifting. What started as a physical outlet became a source of healing. Over time, not only did she feel stronger mentally and emotionally—her skin also responded. The spread of her vitiligo slowed, her confidence returned, and most importantly, she began to reclaim her space—in the gym, in the world, and in her own skin.
WhyWeight exists to offer other women that same sense of empowerment. We believe that movement can be medicine, and that strength is not just something you build—it’s something you remember you’ve had all along.
We are a group of women passionate about health, healing, and redefining what strength looks like. With lived experience across dermatology, fitness, and mental health, our team is committed to building a space where women with skin and autoimmune conditions feel seen, supported, and unstoppable.
Veranca Shah
Founder
Sheila Sharifi
Co-Founder
Meet the Team
Testimonials
Join the growing community of empowered women transforming their lives with WhyWeight. Together, we lift. Together, we rise.
"I used to feel intimidated walking into a gym. Now, I feel strong, confident, and proud of what my body can do."
A. Fischer
Member
"Grateful to be part of a group that empowers women to see themselves—and the world—beyond their skin."
E. Pena
Member
"This community reminded me that healing isn’t just physical. Lifting helped me rebuild not just muscle, but self-worth."
D. Anand
Member
Get in touch
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in joining WhyWeight, partnering with us, or simply learning more about our mission
CONTACT WITH PHONE
(858) 257-9557