“I Wish I Had An Eating Disorder.”

Honestly, this is a hard one to read. Eating disorders are serious mental health issues that cause physical and mental damage to those who suffer. Sometimes, people may mistake what is most likely a genetic predisposition to thinness as a choice, and this is a harmful misconception. It is essential to note that not everyone with an eating disorder is considered underweight and thin.

“You Look So Healthy!”

This may seem like a compliment, but this kind of comment can be damaging to someone with an eating disorder. Instead of commenting on what you suspect to be healthy, shift your compliments from physical to personality-based. Try instead, “You are so kind, I can tell you really care for your friends,” or “You make me laugh every time we spend time together, I love your sense of humor.”

“Should You Be Eating That?”

More often than not, people in recovery from an eating disorder are trying new foods, many of which are considered “unhealthy” thanks to diet culture. Asking someone if they should eat certain foods can change their perceptions of these foods and feed into disordered thoughts. What other people eat is none of your business, even if you think you are being helpful.

“You Should Be Grateful.”

This statement is unhelpful for many reasons. It’s true that people can be grateful for their available food, but it’s also important to remember that people do not choose to have an eating disorder. It is likely that they already feel shame and guilt for being unable to eat, and reiterating that fact contributes to a harmful thought cycle.

Some other harmful comments include:

“I wish I could eat like you.”

“You ate a lot.”

“How do you stay that size?”