May 25 (UPI) — Sarah Hyland has confronted body shamers and critics of her recent weight loss on Twitter, explaining that her fluctuating figure is due to health issues.
“I’d like to address something that has not only been brought up on Twitter but has been heavily discussed by all of you in my Instagram comments,” the Modern Family star began her message Wednesday. “That something is my weight. I normally don’t comment on things like this because it draws attention to those trying to spread negativity but I’m here to explain a few things and spread love.”
“I haven’t had the greatest year. Maybe one day I’ll talk about it but for now, I’d like my privacy. I will say that this year has brought a lot of changes and with that, physical changes,” Hyland said.
The 26-year-old explained that she’s been bedridden the last few months due to illness which has caused her to lose muscle mass.
“I have been told that I can’t work out. Which, for me, is very upsetting,” she wrote. “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’ which many of you have told me that I am too much of.”
“My circumstances have put me in a place where I’m not in control of what my body looks like. So I strive to be as healthy as possible, as everyone should.”
Hyland was bullied on Instagram after sharing a photo of herself wearing a t-shirt from boyfriend Dominic Sherwood’s apparel line which donates part of its proceeds to the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
“Oh and no that’s not photoshop. Those are my legs. Those are my arms. 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 said. “No one should be at the weight that I am right now. I am working hard to maintain my weight by eating as much protein as possible and continue to be strong and healthy. There’s no need to worry!”
“Am I bothered by my appearance right now? Well 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. 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.”
The actress has dealt with health issues before, needing a kidney transplant in 2012 during her battle with kidney dysplasia. In January, she was forced to skip the Screen Actors Guild awards due to health reasons.
Hyland’s Modern Family costar Sofia Vergara retweeted her comments alongside a collection of clapping hands emojis in a sign of support.
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