I genuinely respect those who juggle side hustles. Earning extra income for your family is admirable, especially in a world where expenses can be overwhelming and raising children comes with its own financial challenges. However, I must express my discomfort with the trend of reaching out to strangers online to promote diet products.
It often happens when I’m simply scrolling through my social media or checking my email—out of nowhere, a message appears from someone I don’t know, suggesting I consider a diet. Recently, I received an unsolicited proposal to endorse a weight-loss product to my blog followers. Honestly, it struck me as entirely inappropriate.
I’m a survivor of eating disorders. Should I really promote a diet to an audience that found me through my honest discussions about overcoming anorexia and bulimia? Absolutely not. That would not only be irresponsible but also potentially harmful. You can’t know the battles that people silently face, and sending cold pitches can be reckless.
I’ve dedicated significant time and effort to advocating for those who have faced eating disorders, and I refuse to undermine my journey by becoming a spokesperson for the diet industry. After enduring years of illness, including hospitalization, I understand that eating disorders can be life-threatening. Believe me, I am not the ideal candidate for your marketing attempts.
When you try to sell a product, there is an underlying message suggesting that the recipient needs it. I can assure you, regardless of how you perceive my appearance, I don’t need your suggestions. I’ve worked hard to silence the inner voice that once tormented me with thoughts about dieting—starting at a young age and escalating to a peak of torment as a teenager.
I’ve reached a place in my recovery where I don’t need anyone whispering reminders about dieting in my ear. Those intrusive thoughts are challenging enough without external influences. Every unsolicited diet pitch brings back doubts: “Maybe I do need to diet? Why else would this person be reaching out?” It’s a struggle I’m not equipped to deal with every day.
As someone who has recovered from anorexia, I represent a fortunate outcome of an unfortunate situation. Consider this: how can you be sure that the woman you’re marketing to isn’t currently battling an eating disorder? It’s not visible from the outside. Even individuals who appear to be overweight might be engaging in harmful behaviors in pursuit of an unrealistic ideal. Is your side hustle worth risking someone else’s recovery? Why exacerbate someone’s struggles?
Your efforts to earn a living may inadvertently hurt others, including those who are trying to heal. Really think about it: by promoting your product, you could be perpetuating a harmful narrative that I’ve fought hard to overcome. Messages suggesting that one doesn’t deserve to occupy space or should restrict their intake can be damaging, especially for those in recovery.
Please recognize that your products and how you choose to market them might not be suitable for everyone. Approaching strangers with diet products can push harmful messages onto individuals who may already be grappling with serious issues related to food and body image.
Everyone needs to make a living, and I get it. All I ask is that you consider the potential impact of your marketing tactics. In the wrong context, diet products can be dangerous, and you could unknowingly contribute to someone’s downward spiral.
When I look at my reflection, I feel proud of the life I’ve led—supporting and uplifting those wrestling with eating disorders. If you consider the messages you might be sending to people in recovery (or even those who aren’t), can you truly feel good about your actions?
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Summary:
The article discusses the author’s discomfort with the practice of selling diet products to strangers, especially given her personal journey as an eating disorder survivor. It highlights the potential harm of promoting such products without understanding the recipient’s struggles, urging marketers to consider the impact of their messages on vulnerable individuals. The author emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in marketing, advocating for a compassionate approach that prioritizes the well-being of others.