In a candid discussion on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show,” This Is Us star Chrissy Metz opened up about the difficult experiences she faced growing up, particularly regarding her weight and the hurtful treatment she endured from her stepfather.
During the Oct. 22 episode, Metz, 44, revealed how her stepfather’s critical behavior impacted her from a young age. “He would weigh me in the kitchen or threaten to lock the cupboards,” she recalled, adding that his actions led to mental, physical, and emotional abuse. “I think there’s more awareness now about food issues and behavior, but back then, it was just fear and shame,” she explained.
Metz reflected on the deep emotional scars left by his comments, saying, “The emotional stuff … they’re like little nicks, little cuts, and eventually you bleed out. It is painful.”
At just 12 years old, she found herself asking, “Why does my weight equate my worthiness?” She struggled to fit in with her peers, both physically and socially. “You look like none of your other friends, and you can’t fit into the cute clothes they can wear. You’re like, ‘Oh, let me borrow your necklace,’” she said, recalling the feelings of exclusion.
As she grew older, the stigma surrounding weight continued to affect her. Metz shared how flying was particularly difficult, as strangers on airplanes would avoid sitting next to her or openly express discomfort. “Before the show, people wouldn’t engage with me or look at me twice,” she said. “But after This Is Us, suddenly people didn’t mind sitting next to me—or they wanted to talk because I was ‘famous.’”
Metz highlighted the double standard, pointing out how beauty standards are inconsistent. “There’s still so much stigma around weight, but people also idolize models who may not be taking care of themselves either,” she said. “But when you’re overweight, it’s a whole other thing.”
Despite her fame, Metz says that these experiences have left her wary of others. “I don’t know if people feel cooler sitting next to someone on TV, but it makes you question whether you can trust them,” she admitted.
Now, she continues to focus on healing and self-acceptance. “I’m trying to heal those wounds slowly but surely,” she shared. “It’s not easy, but I’m working on it.”
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