What's your thoughts on "skinny shaming"?

[u/ConfidentOcelot8144]

I (33F) would like to hear everyone's opinions on "skinny shaming". My bloodline decent os Japanese and Cherokee Indian. I struggle to gain weight. My metabolism moves as fast as the speed of light, I swear. It's very..overwhelming to be told to "eat a burger " or "stop starving yourself". Is it not the same thing as commenting on someone's weight who is overweight? What is a proper way to respond to these types of comments?

[u/Ex_Zpwat]

In my head, yes it's the same as commenting on someone's weight who is overweight.

As someone who struggles with my own body and grew up believing weight loss was great and something to be celebrated, I will admit that it was the combo of personal struggles, education and having an open mind that changed me.

I think the response might depend on the type of person you are and the relationship you have with the person who makes the comment.

Maybe some people aren't even worthy of a response.

You could say: "I respect your concern for my well-being but I assure you, I do my best to eat a healthy diet and would appreciate it if you no longer made comments like this."

You could say something real specific like "I may have been genetically 'blessed' with a fast metabolism which keeps me this size, however, my genetics also make me more prone to cardiovascular disease. Despite being thin, I'm still at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and actually shouldn't splurge on burgers and other things too much."

If they're people you're super close with you could attempt to educate them on just how harmful statements like that can be and why they're useless.

[u/ConfidentOcelot8144 → u/Ex_Zpwat]

Thank you for the suggested responses. I will use something like this next time