"Why are you so skinny?" "You're too thin!" "You should really eat a cheeseburger." These are common examples of skinny-shaming. There is a common misconception that people who are thin have worked hard to have that appearance. This misconception has made some less sensitive to thin people, and more to those who are overweight and have difficulty losing weight.
Being underweight can be as big of a struggle as being overweight. Not being able to put on weight can be difficult for someone coping with an eating disorder, depression, or illness. Skinny-shaming makes the same impact as fat-shaming. It is both unhelpful and unproductive.
A helpful approach to skinny-shaming is to confront a friend or family member in a supportive way. Let them know that you are available to help them if they are having a struggle with their weight and body image.
"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes"
Every Wednesday: Eating Disorder Awareness
Adapted from: http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/02/10562377-eat-a-sandwich-angie-skinny-shaming-isnt-helpful-either
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