This blog post may be a bit sensitive for some, but I can’t hold in my view on the subject any longer.
Perhaps you’ve seen the T-shirts that read, “I beat anorexia,” or have been asked on occasion about losing weight. Whether or not you or someone else did actually have anorexia is not why I’m steaming. It’s the fact that there is even a T-shirt with these words being sold in plus sizes (and regular sizes too I’m sure) as a joke and the fact that people so regularly comment on the weight of the thin.
Even if someone does have anorexia and is underweight, what gives people the right (besides freedom of speech) to comment so openly on the weight of the perceived slender individuals in this world? And what gives people the right to publicly make fun of those who have a serious mental illness? I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t walk up to someone who has gained weight and say, “Wow, you’ve really gained some weight. Have you been eating more?” Nor would I post jokes on a social networking site about mental. illness. Not all thin or underweight people have an eating disorder and if they do, take their hand and help for crying out loud…
I am defensive about mental illness because someone NEEDS to be.
My goodness people, why does someone having an eating disorder or being naturally slender permit the rest of us to comment so darn freely on how his/her weight appears??? You will never see me wear a T-shirt with the words, “I beat anorexia,” even though I truly have beat the illness.
Humans are more than a number. We are more than an appearance or a size or a hairstyle. So please, let’s all do the world of favor and unless we are being sincere and not inquiring just to inquire (or because we’re jealous), let’s stop with the weight talk and move on to life’s more important things.
While we’re at it, let’s stop all the trash talk and jokes about an illness that kills more than 20 percent of sufferers.
It’s no laughing matter…
This Side of the Creek 
I understand how you feel. During my teenage and early adult years I struggled through the same illness. People do not understand that it is not as simple as you just didn’t eat. You physically cannot eat that is brought on by emotional issues. It is a constant battle to relapse and it is an uphill battle to become healthy again.
I was told the same things and even had my own family members ridicule me for being too thin; however, they were obese and I presume slightly jealous. I think those t-shirts are a reflection of their own self hate and instead of fixing themselves they turn it on to someone else to make them feel better about their size.
Amanda,
Thank you so much for sharing part of your journey. It is indeed a daily struggle, but one that can be overcome with hard work. I agree with your thoughts on the T-shirts. It totally offends me that people making fun of themselves are doing so at the expense of very ill individuals. It breaks my heart that we frequently project our own insecurities and fears in ways that hurt others. If you ever need support, email me or visit http://www.mentorconnect-ed.org.
Blessings,
M
My personal opinion is that if you’ve ever been inside of anorexia, you’re definitely NOT about to announce it to the world.
Those t-shirts are insensitive and ignorant, and I honestly think that if you see someone wearing one, that person most likely has no clue what they’re messing with by putting it on.
For me, if someone notices anything that has to do with loss or gain, I want to crawl in a hole and die. Wearing that t-shirt is like asking for someone to look at the wearer’s body– and I don’t know a single anoretic (or any other E.Disordered person, for that matter) who willingly wants that.
How do you feel about the “I beat Obesity” shirt? Just curious because I did ( been in shape for 16 years now) and I was thinking about purchasing an I beat Obesity shirt. I only planned on working out in it but I do not want to offend ppl. It never crossed my mind that ppl would think I was making fun of them…I REALLY did beat Obesity!
Jess, first I want to say congratulations on your success. I know that regardless of which way the struggle goes, it is something to be celebrated when we have overcome. As for the “I beat obesity” T-shirt, I think the important thing is why you want to wear; what it stands for for YOU. People will always formulate their own judgments. I think the anorexia T-shirts were directly meant to be offensive or funny, but in reality, anorexia kills millions and is not something to make fun of. It sounds to me like the T-shirt you are referring to is intended sincerely and not as a joke. I think we need more people to speak out about overcoming these things and perhaps the obesity T-shirt would instigate conversation where you can educate others. As I said before, however, it is YOU who will be wearing it and if it is a reminder to you of how far you have come then you would make the decision over whether or not to wear it! Best to you and thanks so much for reading!!! Meredith