Body Positivity vs Haters

A friend texted me, hurt and frustrated after being body shamed by a family member.
Although I found a lot of resources to share with her, I couldn't find the exact article I wanted.
So I've decided to write down my own thoughts, as well as share some resources, in an effort to help ANYONE who needs to put a hater in their place. 
Remember: it's your body.

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First of all: No! You do not get to tell a person how to be. YOU get to monitor and judge your own body only. No one else. I don't care if that person is your child, they are not You. Period. 

Secondly: Words hurt. Not only do they sting in the moment, but after time they seep into the brain and mess with things. And the person your words are directed at is not the only one who hears you. 
But seriously, what kind of jerk says something like that to someone? 
Think before you speak!

After a quick search, here are some facts from National Eating Disorders .org
81% of 10 year olds are afraid of being fat 
35-57% of adolescent girls engage in crash dieting, fasting, self-induced vomiting, diet pills, or laxatives. 

3rd: You don't know. There are millions of reasons a person might be fat.
The person you are judging may have a medical condition. They may be on medication that causes weight gain, water retention, etc. That person may be recovering from an eating disorder (for example model Crystal Renn, photos above). They may have just lost a family member and are grieving. Regardless of their reason, YOU DON'T KNOW and therefore should shut your mouth. Additionally, it's none of your business - see point #1.

Lastly: Check your meaning. When you're calling someone fat, or judging their body, what is your point?

• Are you saying they're unattractive? That's a personal preference. And you may not be attracted to them, but who says YOU are the one person everyone is attracted to?
• Are you saying they're unhealthy or lazy? Here is a list of some incredibly healthy & kick ass athletes, who you may consider fat.
• Are you saying they don't care about their appearance and are insecure? Check out my Instagram, see how insecure I am.
• Are you saying they're a bad person? Are you saying they're dumb? 

​What exactly do you want to convey? 

Finally, here are some resources for anyone who may need them.