"You're so skinny, you must be really strict on your diet!"
"It's unhealthy to be working out as much as you do, just look how skinny you are!"
"If you keep this up, you're going to turn into just skin and bones."
Why people decide to use the word, "skinny" is a mystery. When pondering trending topics negatively related to the health and fitness industry, we're often glazed with the terms"fat" and "obese" but never the word "skinny." It's one thing to be complimented on your slender or thin figure, however "skinny" is not at all an appropriate word to be used when describing anyone, whether it's in a complimentive or threatening tone. Often, when someone is referred to as "fat" it is more times than not directed in an extremely negatory fashion. Parallel to this, when someone is referred to as "skinny" it is shed in a much more positive light. Young or old, everyone desires to be "skinny" or more like a certain model/celebrity because "skinny" is more appealing to the eye than "fat." Unfortunately, this unreasonable view on body image remains a trend.
Dialogues between people are lacking affection for overall health and wellness. If someone has a slender and fit body, the conversations directed towards that particular person should in no way advertise the word "skinny." Athletes crave to hear that they are a positive influence on others who may not be as in shape. Those who are in shape appreciate the reassurance that they're doing well with their body; nourishing it and using it the correct way. Just because someone eats well and takes care of their body, doesn't automatically mean they're anorexic or trying to lose weight.
"You're so strong, you must be treating your body very well with dedication to balanced foods!"
"It's incredible that you've found such a positive catharsis during these tough times as a student and employee. Your commitment to health really shows, and your body must be extremely thankful for you everyday!"
"I know you can keep this up, you're doing such an amazing job staying healthy and fit. I'm really proud of you."
"Skinny shaming" is just as offensive as "fat shaming." It's important to remember that people who balance their diet and exercise routines don't do it with the bat of an eye. Not to be cliche, but it literally takes blood, sweat, and tears to get to where we are. We don't lift insane amounts at the gym to be called "skinny" and we certainly do not run for seven miles to be labelled as "too thin." We train to the point of excruciating pain to honor our bodies and we set goals only to achieve them, for that gives us a sense of purpose. To be the positive role models that people, young adolescents in particular, need. When directly saying, "You look great! Such a skinny-minnie!" or "You better watch out, I'm not going to watch you get too skinny" that is automatically opening up several doors for others to relate a positive or negative connection with being "skinny."
People of all ages who look up to thin role models: being "skinny" isn't something to strive for, it's about being strong and physically fit; healthy. Healthy for yourself, and not anybody else. Contrasting, people who look up to role models with curves: you are more than how "skinny" you are. Although slender, you are just as beautiful as you've always been.
Everyone is shaped in a unique way. Thin people are beautiful. Curvy people are beautiful. Muscle dense people are beautiful. Less muscle dense people are beautiful.
This is something we must never forget.
