It is not uncommon or even considered inappropriate to call someone "skinny." Skinny is defined as very thin, of inadequate size or growth. As often as this might be considered or regarded as a compliment, it is often seen as exactly the opposite to those on the receiving end.
Consider this scenario. A person makes the decision to change their lifestyle and they begin exercising, eating right and taking care of their health. Inevitably, they begin losing weight. In the beginning they are greeted by family, friends and co-workers with compliments about how great they look. After several months of hard work and commitment they begin receiving comments like, "You're getting too skinny" or "Don't lose any more weight" or even worse "Are you sick?" Can you imagine how discouraging these statements can be, specifically when it is clear that they are a healthy weight?
People are typically striving for lean, healthy bodies, not skinny, sick looking bodies. If it is unacceptable to approach someone and tell them they are overweight, why wouldn't skinny be the same?
Using encouragement, praise, help, mentoring, telling someone they look healthy, lean, strong, fit, beautiful or even sexy is a much more positive approach. After all, if "skinny" were the ultimate objective that could much more easily be achieved with starvation, a lot less hard work, healthy eating and sweat.
There are circumstances where we need to help those suffering through eating or exercise disorders. Even in these situations, calling someone skinny or sick won't be the right approach.
Remember that we all need encouragement from time to time. Praise those who have the dedication to make healthy lifestyle choices in order to live a long, healthy life. Even use them as your role model. Follow their lead!
Say it! Mean it! Do it!
