On Being Ridiculously Skinny — I’m Not Proud of It

Toxic body positivity doesn’t only apply to those who are overweight; I’ve experienced it too — an underweight individual. People would tell me, “You should be grateful for God’s gift,” or “Being thin is a favor,” or even claim, “All women want a body like yours.” But at the same time, I also received tons of, “Whoa, you look like you haven’t eaten in months,” or “You are thinner than paper,” or the worst of all, “If there’s a windstorm, it can be strong enough to push and float you.” These words echoed through my mind, causing me to question my self-worth and validity. <blockquote> “You MUST accept your body or you will never be happy” </blockquote> I don’t want to invalidate all the words they say because I do feel concerned about my weight. I’ve noticed that I’m significantly underweight compared to others around me. My clothes seem to hang loosely on my frame, and I feel self-conscious about my appearance. While some people may think being thin is a blessing, I can’t help but worry about my health and well-being. I’m not proud of it. There, I said it. The truth can be hard to face, but I can’t keep denying it any longer. Yes, I may have a naturally slender figure, but that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with body image issues. The pressure to fit into society’s narrow definition of beauty is relentless, and it affects all body types, including mine. Learn More