I have a deep appreciation for those who juggle side hustles. The desire to earn extra income for your family is commendable—let’s face it, the cost of living is high and kids can be a financial drain. However, I strongly disapprove of the trend where individuals reach out to strangers online to sell them diet products.
Picture this: I’m going about my day when suddenly, I receive a message in my inbox or social media DMs from someone suggesting I should start a diet. Just recently, I was approached with an offer to promote a weight-loss product to my blog’s readers. And honestly? It was completely out of line.
As a survivor of eating disorders, the idea of promoting a diet to my audience—who found me through my candid discussions about battling anorexia and bulimia—is unfathomable. That would not only be irresponsible, but also potentially harmful. I have no idea what my audience is grappling with, and neither do you when you send unsolicited pitches to strangers.
I’ve dedicated years to supporting and advocating for individuals with eating disorders, and I refuse to undermine my hard-fought progress. After five years of struggling, including a hospitalization, I know firsthand how serious these illnesses are. I’m not the audience you’re looking for—your pitch is misplaced.
When you promote a product, it carries the implicit suggestion that someone needs it. Why else would you try to sell something? I can assure you that regardless of your perception of my body, I don’t need your advice. I’ve worked hard to silence that inner critic, which began whispering to me at 11 and grew louder until it consumed my thoughts by 16.
I don’t want to revisit that dark place, and every unsolicited diet suggestion brings back waves of self-doubt. It prompts me to question if perhaps I should consider a diet—after all, why would a kind stranger be reaching out otherwise? Those thoughts are burdens I’m not equipped to handle every day.
As someone who has recovered from anorexia, I represent the fortunate side of a very grim scenario. Consider this: how can you know the person you’re targeting isn’t currently grappling with an eating disorder? You can’t always tell by appearances. Even someone who looks healthy might be struggling with disordered eating behaviors. Is your side hustle worth risking someone else’s recovery? Why would you want to add to someone’s struggles?
Attempting to earn extra income shouldn’t come at the expense of others’ wellbeing. Your efforts to provide for your family might inadvertently harm mine or those of my friends from therapy. I’m not just talking about financial harm; your messaging could encourage destructive thought patterns. You may unknowingly reinforce the belief that I don’t deserve to take up space or enjoy food.
Please recognize that your product and its promotion are not universally appropriate. When you reach out to strangers, you might be pushing diet culture onto individuals who are already fighting against harmful narratives.
The training you received from your MLM doesn’t equip you to support the unique nutritional needs of people recovering from eating disorders. Even if your intentions are pure, your messaging can be damaging.
I understand the necessity of financial support, but I urge you to be conscious of your marketing methods. In the wrong context, your offerings could be perilous, making you inadvertently complicit in someone’s decline.
When I look in the mirror, I feel proud of my advocacy for those battling eating disorders. Can you say the same when you consider the messages you’ve sent to people in recovery or those still struggling?
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To summarize, while the hustle to earn extra money is admirable, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential impact your marketing strategies may have on others. Thoughtful engagement can prevent harm and foster a supportive environment for everyone.