What NOT To Say To Someone With An Eating Disorder

There’s a trend on Instagram/TikTok currently, and I am HERE 👏🏻 FOR 👏🏻 IT 👏🏻

People are turning unhelpful (read: inappropriate, harmful, disgusting) things people have said to them into inspirational quotes. It would be hilarious…ya know, if it weren’t so disturbing.

I had to jump on this trend, because I’ve got loads of unhelpful things people have said to me.

For example, this one is always fun to hear. (😑)

The “HA” was not added for dramatic effect. It was literally part of the quote.

An eating disorder is NOT about willpower. Period, end of story.

What a concept! I wish I’d thought of this, like, I don’t know, 20 years ago!

👏🏻STOP👏🏻COMMENTING👏🏻ON👏🏻PEOPLE’S👏🏻BODIES👏🏻
Seriously, just don’t. Let people’s bodies exist as they are, without your commenting on them.
Stop assuming weight loss is always a good thing. You could be congratulating cancer or an autoimmune disease or an eating disorder.

And last, but definitely not least…a direct quote from my (former) doctor.

I guess the bottom line here is:

If you’re about to say something about someone’s body…DON’T.

If you’re about to comment on what someone is eating…DON’T.

If you’re about to say something which requires the words “no offense” in front of it…DON’T.

If you’re a doctor and you congratulate your patient on her weight loss when you know she’s actively struggling with an eating disorder…choose a new profession.

Love,
Everyone Who’s Ever Had An Eating Disorder