Go eat a cheeseburger. You can't be self-conscious. Real women have curves. You're just skin and bones. Skinny b*tches. You look anorexic. Enough.
These phrases are skinny shaming. I can just hear people complaining now, "Skinny shaming isn't real!" In the realm of body-shaming, the first thing we think of is fat shaming, which is valid and completely a real issue. Skinny shaming is also valid and real. Body shaming of any type is completely unacceptable, but most people don't realize that goes both ways.
Let's first address that just because someone is thin does not mean they live a healthy lifestyle (and if someone is heavier it does not mean they live an unhealthy lifestyle). This is a matter of body shape and metabolism. A lot of people ask how I can stay so thin. Part of the reason I have a small figure is because I have a high metabolism, which simply means I burn calories at a faster rate than normal. While it is true people with higher metabolic rates can eat more without gaining too much weight, this is no excuse to eat whatever you want. It is also very important to maintain a somewhat healthy diet and supplement with exercise.
Next, let's talk about being self-conscious. Just because I am small does not mean I am content with the way I look. I've been told that "No man wants to cuddle with a stick." And I still don't have the glorified thigh gap either (which is actually based on bone structure). Feeling self-conscious is caused by unrealistic body goals. While most mainstream media features flat stomached models, I've been cultivated to think that my worth derives from my appearance and body, which is degrading and a very unhealthy mindset that can cause eating disorders.
Speaking of eating disorders, they don't target a specific body shape. I may be skinny, but that doesn't mean I have an eating disorder. Eating disorders are mental illnesses that do not discriminate. Anyone can have an eating disorder no matter shape, color, age, etc. In the United States, 30 million people will suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder in their lifetime. If you or someone you know may be at risk for an eating disorder call the NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) hotline at 1-800-931-2237 or take this screening.
To combat skinny shaming don't comment on body type, instead, discuss lifestyle. For example, instead of saying "Wow you look thin!" try "You're looking healthy." If you are concerned about someone don't say "You look thin, have you been eating?" try something like, "You look overwhelmed, are you sure you are okay?"
But let's all remember the real message here: All bodies are good bodies. Being healthy is more important than being skinny. Anyone can be self-conscious about how they look. Anyone can suffer from an eating disorder.
