Let me start by saying this article is not an indictment on anyone who is naturally inclined to be skinny, slim or thin.
I want to speak to the mounds of people who are striving to make their bodies look and do something it naturally can’t or won’t do – be skinny.
We see it all around us, signs and messages suggesting that being thin is the only way to be “in”. That thin is what every person should be striving towards.
As if being “skinny” is the only way you can look and be healthy. That is NOT the case and here is why.
1. Skinny does not equate to healthy
Have you ever heard of the term “skinny fat”? That is a person who is physically thin and their body has a high percentage of fat. If they are already thin you can imagine there isn’t much muscle there which is necessary to support the body.
2. Skinny does not mean a person isn’t prone to chronic disease
I personally know of thin people who have had heart attacks, have Type 2 diabetes and come really close to having strokes.
They are thin but either they were predisposed to certain chronic diseases due to their genetic makeup/family background or they were not taking care of themselves to ward off these awful diseases.
3. Skinny does not mean a person is strong
If you recall point #1 above, just because someone is skinny doesn’t mean they are strong enough to walk up and down a flight of stairs without getting winded. Or can lift their own body weight when doing push ups or other exercises.
4. Skinny does not mean a person is an athlete
Au contraire, when you see athletes they typically have well-formed bodies that are developed with muscles and a physicality to help them excel in their sport. I believe the only thin athletes I see are long-distance runners or endurance runners.
5. Skinny isn’t the only way to look attractive
Marketing and society has people believing they can only look attractive and appealing if they are thin or “small-boned”. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and all of those shapes and sizes should be celebrated and admired.
Embrace your body whether it be small or thick, short or tall because it’s the way God made you and He doesn’t make junk. What I would like to see more of are people focusing on being healthy.
Consuming less added salt and sugar, eating healthier and incorporating more greens in their diet.
Being active in ways that bring them joy such as gardening, yoga, running or lifting and finding their happiness in life, family, friends and a sense of purpose.
Being skinny doesn’t automatically give you that so give up the concept of skinny and focus on the idea of healthy. This post was written out of nothing but love for my readers I hope you enjoyed it.
//SHOP//
Subscribe to our mailing list
Email Format
15 Replies to "5 Reasons Why Skinny Is Not All That"
Wendy October 6, 2015 (7:43 am)
Yes to all of the above. And as a woman who is “naturally inclined” to be slim, I also don’t like being called skinny. I don’t see myself as skinny, I see myself as healthy and fit. We don’t go around calling people fat, do we? I just wish people would stop commenting on other people’s bodies.
Great post!
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
October 6, 2015 (7:47 am)
I agree wholeheartedly Wendy. Calling someone skinny is not a compliment. Thanks for stopping by.
Pamela Hernandez
Twitter: ThriveFit
October 6, 2015 (8:00 am)
Yes! I am always trying to make these distinctions to my clients. Most of them get it but I have a couple who just think “smaller, smaller, smaller” no matter what. I feel like each session is a battle but I won’t give up!
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
October 6, 2015 (8:18 am)
Yes good points! People often think skinnier is better ugh!
GiGi Eats
Twitter: dubagee
October 6, 2015 (9:12 am)
Sure you can be skinny, but you can still be unhealthy. I had a friend (who is thin) text me while at the gym yesterday complaining that she’s so out of shape! It’s skinny fat. Yep! It’s a thing for sure!
Kirsten Ledford
Twitter: fuegofit
October 6, 2015 (2:25 pm)
Well said. I agree. What I don’t like is dissing of any kind. Skinny has been attached to the word “bitch” too many times as well. I also dislike ignorant fitness professionals who believe their body types are ideal. I’ve actually seen this expressed by some fitness snobs on private groups for instructors. It’s unfortunate that the fitness magazine/ modeling industry fuels that crap too.
Ally
Twitter: allyfiesta
October 7, 2015 (8:53 pm)
All of this has me smiling. I am NOT skinny but I am strong. Some days I just wish I was tiny for the sake of looking a certain way and have to go back to reminding myself that I am healthy, strong and my body takes care of me every day. It is also not fair to naturally thin people to not take care of their health because superficially are healthy – LOOKING. Great post!
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
October 7, 2015 (8:54 pm)
Thank you!!!!
Sundays are for Sharing Vol 2.2FIT Kitty Mama October 18, 2015 (8:17 am)
[…] 5 Reasons Why Skinny Is Not All That from Femme Fitale Fit Club Blog […]
5 Reasons Why Skinny Is Not All That October 21, 2015 (6:06 am)
[…] Find out why being skinny is NOT all that or where it’s at. #fitfam #sweatpinkClick To Tweet […]
Kelly
Twitter: laughingfood
November 10, 2015 (11:54 am)
Love this! I know a lot of people that fall into the category of ‘skinny but not healthy.’ I used to play the comparison game a lot but, as I get older, I have become more and more grateful for my muscular legs and my athletic build…it means that I am strong and my worth is so much more than a size or shape!
o
Tricia
Twitter: dblred0728
November 10, 2015 (4:43 pm)
Great post I agree with it all! Skinny, thin, healthy comes in all shapes and sizes. Be you, all YOU can be! 🙂
o
christine June 7, 2016 (6:45 am)
Skinny is not strong! Thank you,…thank you. 🙂
Alysia at Slim Sanity
Twitter: slim_sanity
June 7, 2016 (10:59 am)
I actually really dislike when the word ‘skinny’ is used in recipes. I usually means ‘sugar laden’ instead of ‘healthy.’
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
June 7, 2016 (12:37 pm)
It does!!! You are absolutely right.