Chrissy Metz, the acclaimed actress known for her role in "This Is Us," has been candid about her lifelong journey with weight, body image, and self-acceptance. Rather than fixating on the number on the scale, Metz is prioritizing her health and well-being, focusing on longevity and a positive mindset. Having navigated a challenging relationship with food throughout her life, she emphasizes that skinniness doesn’t equal happiness, she just want to be health-positive.
Early Challenges and Societal Pressures
Growing up, Metz was acutely aware of her body size, often feeling like "the chubby girl" and "also sort of the only one." This experience led to feelings of inadequacy and constant comparison to other girls. “We’d go shopping at Wet Seal, and I wanted to wear the cute shorts and outfits, but all I could fit were the accessories,” she said. “It was really hard.”
Her struggles were further compounded by societal pressures and the limited representation of plus-size women in media. When Metz moved to Hollywood to embark on her acting career, it was "slow going" at first. She encountered numerous obstacles, as "every single role was for a tall, skinny blonde," and plus-size actresses were often relegated to stereotypical roles. Metz recalls being told by one director that she was "too cute" to play the side chick, highlighting the narrow beauty standards prevalent in the industry.
Disordered Eating and Emotional Coping Mechanisms
Metz acknowledged that she exhibited signs of disordered eating in the past, using food as a coping mechanism to fill emotional voids. “It was my crutch, the love to fill in the holes,” she said. This pattern of using food for comfort is a common struggle for many individuals dealing with body image issues and emotional distress.
Her difficult childhood also contributed to her complex relationship with her body. She shared in the memoir, “I don’t remember why Trigger hit me the first time. He never punched my face. Just my body, the thing that offended him so much. He shoved me, slapped me, punched my arm. He would hit me if he thought I looked at him wrong. I remember being on the kitchen floor after he knocked me over, and I was begging to know what I did. “Trigger began weighing me. He’d get the scale from the bathroom and clang it hard on the kitchen floor. ‘Well, get on the damn thing!’”
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The Turning Point: "This Is Us" and Self-Acceptance
Metz's career took off with her role as Kate in "This Is Us," a character with whom she deeply connected due to their shared struggles with weight and body image. In 2017, the actor said she connected with the character and could relate to her complicated relationship with food. The role provided her with a platform to address these issues openly and honestly, fostering a sense of community and understanding among viewers who could relate to Kate's experiences.
Embracing her role and recognizing the impact it had on others, Metz began to shift her focus from weight loss to self-acceptance and overall well-being. “I have lost weight and I’ve gained weight back,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “I wouldn’t have this amazing role if I’d already lost all the weight. So I have to believe that everything happens for a reason and I do feel that way in life.”
A Focus on Health and Longevity
These days, Metz says she's focusing on her health rather than superficial things like her dress size. “I want to live the longest life possible,” the actor told People in a new interview. As part of her health journey, the 44-year-old is prioritizing a few simple routines, including strength training and meal prepping. The end goal? An increased focus on longevity. Metz isn't planning to drop a massive amount of weight anytime soon, but she does want to maintain a healthier lifestyle. She understands the importance of taking care of her body and mind, prioritizing activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
Redefining Body Positivity
Metz emphasizes that her goal is not to be the face of body positivity, but rather to promote a healthy body image and self-acceptance. I never said I wanted to be the face of body-positivity. It’s not that I condone morbid obesity or heroin chic. I condone a healthy body,” she said. She advocates for a balanced approach, rejecting both extremes of the body image spectrum and encouraging individuals to embrace their bodies while striving for optimal health.
The Importance of Self-Worth
In 2023, she told Woman's World people need to remember that their "bodies don't define us."“If all you are thinking about is that you want to lose weight, but you feel like you are not going to be able to because you’re not worthy…then you won’t ever,” she said. She encourages people to recognize their inherent worth and value, regardless of their size or shape. By shifting the focus from external appearance to internal qualities, individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of self-esteem and resilience.
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