Sarah Hyland Hits Back at Anorexia Claims: ‘I Am Not a Fan of Being Skinny’

The “Modern Family” actress had a kidney transplant in 2012

Sarah Hyland
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“Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland has addressed those who’ve made comments about her fluctuating weight with a powerful message about health.

Hyland, who also appears in the ABC “Dirty Dancing” remake, which aired on Wednesday, posted a series of notes on Twitter ahead of the movie’s premiere.

“I haven’t had the greatest year. Maybe one day I’ll talk about it but for now, I’d like my privacy,” she wrote. “I will say that this year has brought a lot of changes and with that, physical changes.”

Hyland has received criticism from fans and others online for her weight. She emphasizes in the notes how she’s lost weight, but not because she wanted to. While Hyland didn’t disclose the specific medical condition that she is struggling with, she has had health woes in the past. The actress suffers from kidney dysplasia and received a kidney transplant in 2012. She also had to skip the 2017 SAG Awards because of medical problems.

In the post, she mentions she’s on prednisone, an anti-inflammatory drug that can cause weight gain, swelling, fatigue and depression — among a host of other side effects.

She delved into some of what she had to go through this year, which included being put on bed rest and being on medication that affected her weight.

“I have been told that I can’t work out. Which, for me, is very upsetting,” she says. “I love to be STRONG. (I’ll be using that word a lot) Strength is everything. Being strong has gotten me where I am. Both mentally and physically. I am not a fan of ‘being skinny.’ ”

Hyland said she wrote the notes because she didn’t want to send the wrong message.

“I write this because I’ve been accused of promoting anorexia in, ironically enough, an anti bullying post. And I want young girls to know that that’s NOT my intention.”

Hyland added that she has had issues with body image since being on the medication, but mostly because she’s been losing muscle mass. She added that she hopes to bounce back.

“It’s never fun to look in the mirror and see your hard work at the gym fade away or have your legs be the size of one’s arms,” she said. “But I know that when I get clearance I will be able to get back to the STRONG, lean, and fabulous self I know I can be.”

You can see the full notes below.

In response, many people opened up about their own medical problems to show their support.

https://twitter.com/emilyvgordon/status/867595631698653184

Others simply shared words of support: “Thank you for showing us what means to be a strong woman this days! I can only wish you to get better,” said one Instagram user on a photo Hyland posted on Wednesday.

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