I've noticed there is a double standard when it comes to talking about someone's weight at work.
I have always been slim throughout my life and struggle to gain weight but I eat a good diet and make sure I am healthy. I have some insecurity about not being able to gain weight and it's something I'm trying to do. My coworkers have been making remarks and jokes about my weight here and there that are making me frustrated.
“Oh it's so interesting you are always eating at work but it's not going anywhere”
“Wish I could eat like you and stay that skinny”
“Did you lose weight? You look more thinner than before?”
One coworker hinted that she thought I had anorexia or an eating disorder. That is something I have thankfully never struggled with and it made me very upset and angry that she thought she could make such an open judgement.
I usually just shrug my shoulders or just laugh it off not to create any conflict but it is starting to annoy and dig at me. If someone said something about weight to a heavy set person, it would be taken as an insult right away and there would be consequences.
Why do people think it is ok to make remarks about people who are slimmer but mentioning anything to a heavier person is seen as being rude and insulting?
How do I handle such remarks at work?