When I began sharing my journey of recovering from an eating disorder on Instagram, I never anticipated that I’d face backlash for it. I’ve dedicated myself to creating a safe, inclusive online community, and the positive feedback I’ve received has shown that I’ve made significant strides in this effort. Inspired by the fundamental principles of the body positivity movement, I advocate for the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of how society views their body. I also challenge fatphobia and diet culture while celebrating the joy of living authentically in a larger body, and I work to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and trauma recovery.
However, I’ve come to realize that even the best intentions can be met with criticism, especially when they defy societal norms. While I was prepared for some negative comments from health critics, I never expected to be accused of skinny shaming simply for sharing my experiences in a thinner body.
Recently, I posted a side-by-side image of myself: on the left, a photo from my younger years, battling body dysmorphia and extreme dieting; on the right, a recent picture celebrating my body, which I’ve cherished over the past three years. The intention was to flip the script on conventional “before and after” photos, sharing my journey to recognizing my worth in a body that society often overlooks.
In my post, I reflected, “I used to live for a flat stomach and a skinny body. I thought weight gain signaled weakness and failure… I even judged others in larger bodies harshly.” I continued by expressing how every moment in my thinner body had been filled with discomfort and dissatisfaction, a feeling that shifted dramatically after I gained 75 pounds post-pregnancy.
“I feel so at home in this version of myself,” I wrote, emphasizing that weight loss or restrictive eating were no longer options for me. I expressed my fierce love for my body, which no longer resembles what it once did, but is a source of gratitude today. My primary aim was to encourage those struggling to accept their larger bodies to challenge societal conditioning that leads to self-hatred. I posted this for my younger self, who felt invisible in a larger frame, and for others who silently battle eating disorders.
However, one woman misinterpreted my message. Her response left me shocked: “Do you not think you’re shaming those who are skinny like you used to be?” She questioned if I believed their happiness was tied to their size. This was a lot to unpack. I usually delete negative comments, but I felt compelled to reach out to her, inviting her to reconsider her perspective.
What followed was an unexpected conversation. After some back-and-forth, she opened up about her own struggles. She revealed that she was living with the pressure of being thin—not from dieting, but from her body’s inability to gain weight, which caused her immense anxiety. Her experience resonated deeply with me, and I realized her reaction stemmed from her own insecurities about her body.
After a few days of messaging, we reached a compassionate understanding. She even allowed me to share our interaction on Instagram. I explained the difference between the internal shame that can accompany a thin body versus the societal shame faced by those in larger bodies. While her feelings were valid, it was crucial to acknowledge that thinness often comes with privilege in a world that stigmatizes larger bodies.
I don’t intend to engage in lengthy discussions with everyone who misreads my journey, but I’m grateful I did with her. It’s essential for those of us in thinner bodies to recognize the challenges faced by larger individuals who experience judgment daily. If you’re curious about how to be an ally to fat individuals, consider educating yourself on the roots of fatphobia and how you may benefit from living in a smaller body. Support those in your community and advocate for change.
I had no idea what thin privilege meant until I lost it. Now, I’m committed to advocating for marginalized bodies and helping others heal their body image. Let’s unite against the profit-driven narratives that keep us divided, and remember, if you have nothing nice to say, reflect on why that is.
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Summary
In this article, I shared my experience of being accused of skinny shaming on Instagram while advocating for body positivity and inclusivity. Through a misunderstanding with a follower, I explored the complexities of body image, privilege, and societal expectations. My journey emphasizes the importance of compassion, education, and supporting marginalized bodies in the ongoing fight against fatphobia.
Keyphrase: Body positivity and privilege
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