I have immense respect for anyone juggling a side hustle. Earning extra income for your family is commendable, especially in today’s economy where expenses seem to pile up, and kids come with their own financial demands. However, I must express my disapproval of the practice of reaching out to strangers online to promote diet products.
Picture this: I’m peacefully scrolling through my social media, and suddenly, a message pops up from someone I don’t know, suggesting that I should consider a diet. Just recently, I received an unsolicited pitch asking if I’d be interested in endorsing a weight-loss product on my blog. To say it was inappropriate would be an understatement.
As a survivor of an eating disorder, I’m not in a position to promote any diet to my audience, who found value in my candid discussions about overcoming anorexia. Sharing information about weight-loss products would not only be irresponsible, but it could also endanger lives. I have no insight into the personal battles my audience faces, and neither does anyone sending cold pitches to strangers online.
I have dedicated years to supporting eating disorder survivors, and there’s no way I’m going to become a mouthpiece for the diet industry. After five years of struggle, including a hospitalization, I understand firsthand how life-threatening these issues can be. I’m not the target audience you think I am.
When you market a product, there’s an implicit suggestion that it’s something someone needs. Why would anyone sell something unnecessary? I can assure you that, regardless of your perception of my appearance, I don’t need your advice. I’m done with that noise.
While I’m firmly on the path to recovery, I certainly don’t need any reminders that suggest I should go on a diet. Silencing the internal voice that has plagued me since I was 11 was a monumental challenge. By age 16, it had grown so loud that it echoed in my thoughts incessantly. I have no desire to revisit that place, and every unsolicited diet suggestion stirs up self-doubt. It makes me question whether I do indeed need a diet. Why else would this seemingly kind stranger be offering me one? I simply don’t have the emotional bandwidth to deal with those questions every day.
As someone who has successfully navigated my recovery, I represent a best-case scenario in a scenario where many are still struggling. Think about it: How can you be sure that the woman you’re trying to sell to isn’t grappling with an eating disorder? You can’t tell by looking. Even those who may appear to be overweight could be engaging in dangerous behavior in their pursuit of an unrealistic ideal. Is your side hustle worth risking someone else’s recovery? Why not uplift each other instead of tearing others down?
Every time you attempt to fill your pockets, you might be jeopardizing someone else’s well-being. I’m not just talking about taking their money; I’m talking about undermining their recovery journey. Your actions could be a painful reminder of the harmful messages I’ve worked so hard to silence: that I don’t deserve to take up space, that I shouldn’t consume as much, and that I am “too much.”
Please recognize that your product and the manner in which you promote it may not be appropriate for every audience. Cold-calling potential customers with diet products risks pushing them toward behaviors that could be detrimental to their health.
I get it—everyone needs to pay the bills. But I urge you to be mindful of how you market your products. In the wrong hands, they could pose serious risks, and you don’t want to inadvertently contribute to someone’s self-destruction.
When I look at my reflection, I feel proud of my journey and my commitment to supporting those struggling with eating disorders. Can you honestly say the same about your outreach efforts?
For further insight into family planning, check out this in-depth resource on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re looking for reliable information about fertility services, this resource from Johns Hopkins is excellent. For more on the emotional aspects surrounding this topic, visit Modern Family Blog’s authoritative article.
Summary
In this article, we discuss the inappropriate practice of selling diet products to strangers, particularly those who may be struggling with eating disorders. The message emphasizes the importance of being mindful and considerate in marketing practices, as promoting such products can have detrimental effects on individuals’ recovery journeys.