I am by no means fat. I am actually quite skinny. But still, I am by no means healthy.

Workout routine: pretty much nonexistent.

Diet: all the carbs — pasta, pizza, bread, etc.

I have just been blessed with a fast metabolism, which I know will eventually slow down. Thus, I do want to start living a healthier lifestyle, by working out regularly and eating more fruits and vegetables. Yet, when I recently told a friend about my desire to change my lifestyle, she responded, "Stop, you're so skinny. You do not need to."

I have heard the same thing my entire life.

People look at me and automatically assume I am healthy because of my size. But skinny does not always equal healthy. Just because I am skinny does not mean I am healthy. And vice versa, just because someone is "overweight" does not mean they are unhealthy. Everyone has different body types and shapes. It doesn't matter what I look like, or what anyone looks like. It matters whether we're healthy or not, from the inside, as cheesy at that may sound.

I understand that I do not need to lose weight. However, I think I know myself better than anyone else, and I know that I am, by no means, the healthiest I can be.

If I want to start eating cleaner and working out, I should not be shamed by others to not do so. Just how "overweight" people should not be shamed by others to workout or eat healthier. Stop the shaming all around.