Image Credits: The Jamie Kern Lima Show
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In a deeply personal conversation on Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast, Chrissy Metz opened up about the profound impact her weight had on her relationships with her stepfather and peers during her formative years. The 44-year-old actress, known for her role in This Is Us, described how her stepfather’s harsh treatment fueled her struggles with self-worth and acceptance.
Chrissy Metz on her childhood trauma and weight issues:
Metz recalled that her stepfather would weigh her in the kitchen and threaten to lock up the cupboards, actions that she described as “definitely mental, physical, emotional abuse.” Reflecting on this painful period, she noted, “I think there’s so much more awareness now around food, food issues, food behavior… We educate people, the fear goes away. And maybe he was just fearful. I don’t really know.”
She revealed the lasting traumatic scars left by his statements, stating, “The emotional stuff … they’re like little nicks, little cuts, and eventually you bleed out. It is painful.” Metz repeatedly questioned why her weight had to equate to her worthiness, especially as a 12-year-old grappling with such heavy ideals.
The actress also shared insights into her adolescent experiences, emphasizing her feelings of alienation among friends who fit into the latest fashion trends. “You look like none of your other friends, and you can’t fit into any of the cute Wet Seal clothes that they can fit into,” she explained. Metz admitted to feeling like a matchmaker for her friends, always setting them up with boys while grappling with her own insecurities.
Today, Metz is focused on healing from these deep-seated wounds, acknowledging that it is a slow and challenging journey. “The root of it is, ‘I’m unworthy,’” she said, highlighting the pervasive stigma surrounding weight that continues to affect many individuals.
Metz addressed the societal perceptions of weight, lamenting how overweight individuals often face derogatory assumptions about their lifestyle choices. She noted that the stigma regarding weight still continues. She futher added “But I think there’s this idea that like, ‘Oh, you can’t put the food down’ or ‘You’re lazy.’”
The actress also pointed out the hypocrisy in societal beauty standards, asserting, “Beautiful models are on a pedestal, even though they’re very unhealthy as well.” She described her experiences of being shunned or ignored in public spaces, particularly when flying. “It’s so bizarre,” she said, reflecting on how this stigma affected her social interactions.