Why Skinny Should Never Be The Goal
Scrolling social media, it’s easy to believe the lie that skinny equals healthy.
I recently saw a reel where a woman completed a three-day water fast, barely ate a few bites of soup, and proudly ended the video with the words, “stay skinny.”
As a dietitian—and as a Christian—that message stopped me in my tracks.
Skinny is not a health goal. It’s a fragile identity.
And for so many women, it leads to physical harm, mental exhaustion, and spiritual misalignment.
From a physical health standpoint, ultra-low body fat is not only unsustainable, especially for women, but dangerous.
When the body isn’t adequately nourished, hormones suffer, menstrual cycles disappear, bone density declines, immunity weakens, and healing slows.
Losing your period is not a sign of success—it’s your body sounding the alarm that something is wrong.
God designed our bodies for function, not fragility.
The mental cost of chasing skinny is just as heavy.
When food, calories, and the scale dominate your thoughts, peace becomes impossible.
Life turns into constant self-surveillance: tracking every bite, compensating with exercise, and feeling shame for eating “normally.”
This kind of restriction doesn’t bring freedom—it fuels obsession.
As Scripture reminds us, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds” (Philippians 4:7).
That peace cannot coexist with constant fear around food and weight.
Spiritually, the pursuit of skinny pulls our focus inward.
Instead of seeking God’s kingdom, we become consumed with how we look, how we compare, and whether our bodies measure up.
Jesus calls us to something better: “Seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).
Our health is meant to support our calling, not replace it.
When weight becomes your identity, it collapses the moment life changes—postpartum seasons, illness, stress, or aging.
But when your worth is rooted in Christ, it’s unshakable.
You are not defined by a number on the scale or a clothing tag.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
So what should the goal be instead? Strength. Energy. Peace around food. Freedom to live fully and serve faithfully.
Action steps to start today:
Ask a new question: What helps me feel strong, nourished, and present today?
Practice weight-neutral check-ins: notice your energy, mood, strength, and sleep instead of a number.
Anchor your identity daily in Scripture when body thoughts spiral.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). Let’s stop striving to be smaller and start living freer—fueled for the life God has called us to.
If this message resonated with you, share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today.
And if you’re ready to break free from diet culture and pursue faith-based wellness, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review and join this growing community of women choosing nourishment, peace, and purpose.
