You Weren’t ‘Too Sensitive: How Childhood Comments About Weight Leave a Lasting Mark
Many of us carry vivid memories of the first time someone commented on our body. A passing remark from a teacher, a teasing sibling, a well-meaning parent trying to “help.” At the time, it might have seemed small. But those moments often leave deep, lasting impressions—ones that shape how we see ourselves for years to come.
Why Those Words Stick
Children’s brains are wired to seek belonging and approval. Comments about weight can feel like warnings: you’re only safe or worthy if you look a certain way. Even if spoken casually, they often become internalised as shame, sparking years of body monitoring, dieting, or feeling “not enough.”
‘Harmless’ Messages That Hurt
“Are you sure you want seconds?”
“You’ve got such a pretty face if only you lost a little weight.”
“We need to watch your figure before you grow out of your clothes.”
What may have sounded like concern or encouragement to the adult can be experienced as rejection or judgement by the child. Over time, these messages can grow into disordered eating patterns or chronic body dissatisfaction.
Why This Isn’t About Blame
Many parents and caregivers were passing on the same diet culture they had inherited. Recognising the harm isn’t about blaming them—it’s about understanding the origins of your struggle so you can begin to release it.
Healing the Inner Child’s Wounds
Name the impact: Acknowledge those moments for what they were.
Challenge the old rules: Ask whose standards you were taught to uphold.
Practice self-compassion: Speak to yourself now as you wish someone had then.
Healing body image often means revisiting these early experiences—not to dwell in them, but to understand the roots of your self-criticism and begin creating a different narrative.
You Were Never “Too Sensitive”
Sensitivity is not a flaw—it’s a sign that your body and mind were trying to protect you. Those comments hurt because you deserved better. Healing begins with validating that truth.
Begin your healing journey
If this resonates with your story, my coaching workbooks offer guided reflections and exercises to help you untangle these early messages and start rebuilding a kinder relationship with your body.
