Sarah Hyland just got super real about her weight loss and body image

There should be no reason that she should have to do this, but in response to discussion online, Sarah Hyland has addressed internet comments about her weight and her health in a moving and important social media post.

As E! News reports, the Modern Family star has been subjected to users online body-shaming her, suggesting that she is battling anorexia.

“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,” Hyland wrote, sharing a note to Twitter. “That something is my weight.”

Hyland said that she wouldn’t normally pay heed to comments online as it “draws attention to those trying to spread negativity,” but that she felt that she should respond in order to “spread love.” The actor then addressed the speculation head on.

Continuing, the actor, who recently starred in ABC’s Dirty Dancing remake, said that she wasn’t a fan of “being skinny,” something that users online have been saying that she is.

“‘Eat a burger, your head is bigger than your body and that’s disgusting’ and you’re right! I should eat a burger! Cause they’re f–king delicious! But guess what. I do,” she wrote. “And again, you’re right. No one’s head should be bigger than their body but considering I’ve basically been on bed rest for the past few months, I’ve lost a lot of muscle mass. My circumstances have put me in a place where I’m not in control of what my body looks like.”

Hyland, who has a history of health problems and underwent a kidney transplant in 2012, wants people to know that it’s not her intention to promote any form of unhealthy eating behaviors, but had, ultimately, been bullied online (ironically in a post about anti-bullying).

“It dawned on me that young girls are reading posts that are saying that I’m promoting anorexia due to my weight. While these comments don’t affect me, they may affect others,” she wrote. “So I’m here to say that no one should aim to be the weight that I am now.”

The 26-year-old actor said that she was looking after herself, making sure that she ate as much protein as she could to “be strong and healthy.” And while she wrote that she was upset with her body in its current state, she argued that she knows that she’ll recover and come back stronger.

Finally, after recognizing that she’ll always have speculation about whether she’s pregnant, fat, thin, or a slut, the actor said that all you can do is love yourself.

“Don’t let other’s comments alter any part of you!” she wrote, closing off her essay. “Laugh. Love. Be happy. Support your peers. Love. Work hard. Be confident. Love. Adopt puppies! Tell your mum you appreciate her.

“Love. Love. Love.”

While no one should have to defend themselves or their body, especially against online bullying and trolls, we find Sarah Hyland’s message super inspiring, and we’re love her honesty about what she’s experiencing. We love that she’s taking a stand for herself, and that she wants to help others. While she doesn’t name what she’s been going through, we’re sending her all our love and thoughts, and hope that, whatever it is that’s going on with her, she feels better soon.