An Open letter to Kim Kardashian from Taryn Brumfitt, Founder Body Image Movement.

Dear Kim,

I am one of many body positive leaders around the world feeling utterly outraged, disappointed and saddened by your most recent post sucking an ‘appetite suppressant lollipop’. It actually sucks (excuse the pun) for about 1000 reasons, but the most obvious is the soul destroying impact your post will have on the lives of young impressionable girls.

You see, hating your body is soul destroying, so are eating disorders and anxiety and depression related to body dissatisfaction. I think if you truly knew the impact of your post you’d be mortified. Every day I receive hundreds of messages and emails from people around the world sharing their heartbreaking stories about the toxic relationships they have with their bodies. Girls as young as 8 starving themselves to be thin, teenagers cutting themselves to numb the pain, boys injecting steroids to get bigger. I have to say, some days it feels like I’m drowning in a sea of misery.

And then there’s the experiences and story exchanges I have in person. The one I’ll never forget was after a theatre screening of my documentary Embrace in the UK, a Mom of a child battling an eating disorder came up to me uncontrollably sobbing and yelling “Please help me, I can’t get my daughter to eat”. I’ll never forget the look in her eyes, the tears streaming down her face, the white saliva in the corner of her mouth or the way she tugged on my jacket. I was a complete stranger to her yet she was tugging my jacket so vigorously with both hands. Her desperation broke my heart, as do all the stories. You see Kim, it’s tough out here, we are hurting and your post just adds to the hurt and pain.

Unlike a lot of people on social media who are piling on the hate bandwagon I actually don’t think you are the devil! I might not agree with some of the things you do and I certainly dislike your most recent post however what has presented itself amongst all of the hate and anger is an opportunity for you to do something meaningful, positive and life changing. So I am asking you, on behalf of all of the angry people, the worried Moms and the girls that are struggling with their body image – can you please never post about appetite suppressant lollipops again? Instead will you consider uploading a post that promotes body positivity that will inspire girls to embrace their bodies rather than be at war with it?

I am more than happy for you to contact me if you need any guidance on how your post can create the most impact. I’ve dedicated my life to helping people learn to love their bodies, I know this space well.

Finally, when I was a little girl my Dad taught me that we all come into the world the same and we all leave the same. At the end of this life, our fame, celebrity status and number of followers will mean nothing. What will matter is the kindness we’ve showed others, the good deeds we did and the meaningful contributions we made. Our days are numbered, I hope you receive this letter with the intention in which it was sent.

Warm Regards

Taryn Brumfitt
Founder – Body Image Movement
Director – Embrace the documentary
Author. Speaker. Eternal optimist.

Taryn’s post has received over 1000 shares on social media and over 2,000 reactions.

Earlier this year Taryn had something to say to Weight Watchers for daring to mess with our kids! Read all about that HERE.

This post originally appeared on Taryn Brumfitt’s, Body Image Movement, Facebook page.

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If you, or anyone you know is experiencing an eating disorder or body image concerns you can call the Butterfly Foundation National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 or visit their website www.thebutterflyfoundation.org.au for more information.