How should I respond to someone who comments on my weight?

Question

I'm very thin, about 5'5 108 lbs, healthy but skinny. I often have acquaintances and even complete strangers comment on my weight, and not in a positive manner. The "oh you need to eat something" stuff like that. It gives me the same insecurity overweight people would feel if someone commented on their weight. But for some reason, it's more acceptable to say that too a very skinny person.

When someone says "oh my gosh, you're so skinny" I want to respond "hey thanks dumb***, I've looked in a mirror before" Of course, I would never say that, so what should I say in this situation?

Hey Jeff, YOU are one of those people!

I try to gain weight, but nothing puts on the pounds.

Answer 1

I totally understand what your going through. People who are overweight don't think twice about saying things like "Don't you eat?" to me, but if I said, (which I never would) "Don't you ever stop eating?" it's rude. It's a total double standard that has been overlooked for far too long.

Naturally skinny people cannot help that they are skinny. My mom even had tests done on me as a child, just because I was so thin. The doc said I'm just skinny. It's just how my body is.

I don't know what to say to people in those situations. I usually just shrug it off and pretend that it doesn't bother me, while all the people laugh and joke about how thin I am. I'm not trying to have people feel sorry for me, I just want others to realize that girls in general are almost never comfortable with their bodies and pointing out flaws like thinness, in a Jlo booty world, is the same thing as if skinny people pointed out overweight people.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, a lot of people feel that a person's body size is something they are entitled to comment on, whether the person is overweight or underweight. I agree with some of the previous comments, that mentioning a chronic disease would be a quick and easy way of shutting them up. However, there is no reason you should have to share your medical data with a total stranger. I can only suggest that you refuse to even acknowledge the comment. When some jerk remarks that you're too thin, just sigh and look pained, then pointedly change the subject to something relating to the retail transaction. All but the most clueless will get the point, but you will not have been impolite.

Answer 3

First of all, your ideal weight range is from 120-140 for your height. You are not that thin. I mean, you know, you are thin, but not what I would look at and say holy moly, she is anorexic. On the other hand, if you have an eating disorder (you don't really say hey, I'm trying to gain, or I eat properly, etc. etc.), this is something that should be dealt with promptly or it gets way out of hand quickly.

Secondly, you are so very fortunate to be in the position you are in. Most of us who deal with weight issues in this country truly do deal with the opposite spectrum. So while you may struggle with being thin, truly know that you are still a very healthy weight and it's o.k.

To answer your direct question....when someone says something insensitive to you like that, simply reply "You know, I am very sensitive about that issue. I work on trying to gain weight, but this just seems to be the weight my body wants to be at. I eat well, I exercise, and I am very healthy, and I am grateful for that. My doctor says I am just fine, so I will keep my trust in the professionals who know what they're talking about." Then smile sweetly and walk away. People will get the message, even those you won't ever see again.

Answer 4

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I'm 5'2" and 105lbs. Everyone(friends and strangers too) always says, "you are so skinny." You eat like a bird." "you don't eat enough." Gee thanks-like I don't know this. If I could gain weight I would-but I can't!!! I think that it is VERY inappriate for people to make these comments about us-it is no differnet than skinny people going up to fat people and saying, "gee you are so fat." " I bet you eat all the time." I always say something like-well I don't like it or if I could gain weight I would.

Answer 5

Go ahead and say it! If its someone at work saying that then take out the expletive, but other than that that would be an excellent comeback!

There are many snarky comments one can say to people being that rude.

Or ignore them.

Answer 6

What you should do is buy a fat suit then wear it all the time. Then people wont comment on your weight.

If you really want to be funny, alternate wearing the bottom half and the top half. Than you will have a really skinny top and a really fat bottom.

Answer 7

They are realling hitting on you, most people accept skinny women to the point of near anorexia.

Answer 8

The next time someone says something like that, say, "Thanks! Fortunately I was blessed with a very fast metabolism and can eat anything I want without gaining weight." then give them an "up and down" look and sort of raise your eyebrows like, "Hmm--shame you weren't." (but don't say it out loud, lol!)

Answer 9

I can't believe some of the things total strangers feel entitled to say. I'd just stare at them and say, "I beg your pardon?" If they keep talking just keep looking at them and don't say anything. They'll take the hint and shut up.

Answer 10

your response should be hey i am working on it but every thing takes time , but get ready because in a little while they are going to do all the eye feasting ,but they will need to take a number because of the long line of lookers.