"You're too skinny!" Do others ever make you question your maintenance weight?

Tedebearduff

arahn777 wrote: »

Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you respond to comments like this?

Yes, it's a complete mind *kitten* really, it made all my "Success" seem meaningless. I did a full blown bulk for a year and put back on 50lbs so people would leave me the *kitten* alone. I then would get comments like "do you still work out?" or "why'd you stop working out?"... this just kind of drove me over the edge and said *kitten* all of you while you sit there and wonder how you can't drop 20 lbs watch me lose the 50lbs I just put on ... and I'm in the process of doing that now lol down 25lbs so exactly half way back to the old me.

I also get comments again not to go to far with it but now I say, look *kitten* off it's my life mind your own business!

total lost is 172lbs btw

burnsjulia

I'm 5' 5", 121 and I don't get the too skinny comments probably because I've always been on the thin side.

Take the high road - just say "I feel really good" and walk away. Those are their issues, not yours.

dustyyellowstar

This happened to me recently. I've lost 20lbs and my husband made the comment of "You're not going to be able to lose anymore. It's genetics. You're already skinny enough for your body type, your body naturally isnt going to let you lose more."

I had to stop for a second and ask myself who gave him the RD in Dietary Nutrition, because as far as I knew he worked on computers, not metabolisms.

It really upset me and threw me off, but I'm getting back on track now.

1HappyRedhead

(On a lighter note....) I can not wait until the day I hear someone say this to me!!!

megkarson

PinkyPan1 wrote: »

My come back now is "have I done something to upset you?" This catches everyone off guard and all of sudden everyone wants to make nice. LOL

Nice!!! It's a subtle way of letting them know that perhaps their comment was thoughtless and hurtful! I'll remember this one.

bb4886

i got it before i put on, i was 140lbs so to me i could have lost more but i had comments constantly about being too thin and going too far.......it think its an insecurity thing on their side

Strikingly_Jackie

I am 5'4" and 148 (down from 252) still technically overweight and I have heard the anorexic comments too... My goal is 6 lbs off, and i keep hearing people say "I can't believe you are still trying to lose." Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that you are not alone and really it is about how you, we, I feel.

I do agree with several others that it is crazy that no one felt comfortable to tell me I was morbidly obese, yet they feel justified in telling me I am too thin... SMH people....

itsfatum

My bulletproof answer, use it as you wish:

Them: "You are too skinny!"
Me (with a smile on my face): "I'm actually on my weight. My six pack just started popping out!"

Nobody knows how to counter the six pack argument. The mystical aura surrounding it leaves everybody without knowing what else to say. If you have a six pack you must be really *kitten* fit and healthy, right?

Also, most people who tell you you look too skinny are actually just worried about you wanting to lose more weight. If you tell them you are exactly on your weight (even if you are just about to get there in like 1 pound or 2 of fat) they will be fine with it. They just don't want you to become paranoid about losing weight or become anorexic or something.

TracyV125

I've realized that the people who usually make comments to me are just not happy with themselves. I don't let them get to me. I worked very hard to lose 47 lbs. I simply respond with "I'm in the healthy BMI range and I feel wonderful".

Terryb99

Until I was 30, I was the skinny guy. No hips, no shoulders, chopstick. around 5'10" and 135.
People used to see me eat and tell me that I must have a tape worm or something, get to the doctor. It never really bothered me much. Once I hit 30, that all changed, as the weight started coming, peaking at 210.5 in 2011
When I hit my low of 155 couple of years ago, that kind of talk started again. "stop losing weight, you are too skinny now" mostly coming from overweight people. I had a professional DEXA body scan, and at 155, I was still 19% body fat! I am a very small frame 5'10", and they recommended down to 145 to get to 10-12% body fat.
I don't let what people say bother me. I know what I need to do to make ME happy.

michaelbyfield

The truth is that you're not too skinny. Society is WAAAAAAAY too fat. Being in shape brings it home to them and they don't like it. They would prefer you were a lot bigger which would allow them to validate themselves as 'about average' when in truth they are just too big.

dym123

My neighbor feels the need to make this comment every time she sees me. Last night I was putting out the trash and she says something about me "disappearing", but mostly its the skinny comments that drives me effing crazy. Not only am I NOT skinny, but I do not even aspire to BE skinny. I've told her this a million times, but she just doesn't get it. I've been at this weight for almost 2 years, so I don't understand why she feels she needs to continue making comments about my weight. Whew...needed to get that off my chest. Thanks.

ETA: I should add that she moved in with her mother a couple of years ago and have since put on quite a bit of weight, so I don't know if that is why she does this.

TracyV125

Strikingly_Jackie wrote: »

I am 5'4" and 148 (down from 252)

I just had to say.....Wow and job well done!!! You look fabulous!!!!

mojohowitz

I used to get it before I gained a few more pounds and my response was always "Nope. My doctor says this is my healthiest weight."

aylajane

I have had more than one person say this me, while being overweight (obviously) themselves. My response (usually in my head, occasionally out loud) is "Really? Hmm.. Well, since we are being honest with each other, you could stand to lose a few pounds. You know, cause I am concerned about your health too. How about we meet in the middle somewhere?"

Lol... Amazing how offended they get when someone comments on their "unhealthy" weight, but have no issues commenting on (what they perceive to be) my "unhealthy" weight.

And I am 5'5', 130 pounds at 17% body fat. I weigh a lot more than they think, and its all muscle I dont give a rats *** what they think. I am strong as ***. ANd I will undoubtedly outlive them.

Vossii

Isn't it sad that people think that a healthy weight is too thin? Look around, practically everyone is overweight! THAT is not healthy. Good for you on knowing your body and what feels good. I know that if I lost that much weight I would be ecstatic. It is all about a strong mind and a strong will to make your body change. It says a lot about you. Don't worry what anyone else says.

Roxiegirl2008

Someone said that to me once. I just ignored it. I am no where near to skinny. I am 5'1'' and 130ish pounds. I think with me I have gotten a lot leaner. I have added a lot more running into my weekly workouts and not to mention the time I work with my trainer. I am good with my weight right now. I am wearing a size 2-4 so I am happy and healthy. You have to find what is good for your body and as my trainer says "where you body finds it happy and healthy place."

So basically I just smile and go for a run.

Phill2488

In my own experience I've noticed that it's mainly overweight people who tell me I'm too skinny. An overweight friend of mine said that I was too skinny and that I needed to eat a cheese burger. My response? ''Yeah, well you're too fat, and need to put down the cheese burgers''

Wingg_

I've been maintaining for over a year now and I still do get thaws comments. People will say 'stop dieting! You're too skinny', even after I've told them that I'm not dieting anymore. Now I'll just give up. I'll just smile and say 'I'm within the healthy weight range'

Generic_Excuse

I can't wait for someone to tell me I am too skinny... lol but seriously I hope after reading some of these comments I have never said that anyone ever.

nancyat60

Thank Goodness I found these comments You'all make me feel so normal I am a 5 feet 6 inches tall and weigh 128 pounds and want to be 120 My sister and best friend are driving me nuts The stupid part is I weighed about that for decades until change of life set in I do need to get in better shape as I am not very active But please Give me a break Sometimes I think they do not know what normal looks like

kindrabbit

I find that its either all or nothing. some people don't comment at all - in which case I think what's wrong with you? haven't you noticed how fabulous I am??!! I then get the 'don't loose too much' comments but I think they come from a place of love. Thats just people saying 'you used to be really fat and now you're fab!!' but not really knowing how to say it.

I got told by a girl I don't know in my boxing class that I had lost loads of weight and am looking good. It was so good to hear because it came from someone who understands weight loss and training. She knows that I know I used to be fat, it's no secret! It comes as no surprise to me that I have lost weight. I waved goodbye to each and every pound personally!

NikonPal

arahn777 wrote: »

I haven't ever posted before, but appreciate the support that this forum offers and want to get in on it! Lately, I've been in need of support from those who understand the struggles of weight loss and maintenance.

Since the fall of 2013, I went from 180lbs to 125lbs (female, 5'6") and have been maintaining at 125 (+/- 2lbs) for the past 6 months. As time goes on, I have gotten more and more serious about exercise and specifically running. I really enjoy seeing where my body can take me and it's motivating to break my personal records and times while running.

In the process, my body fat percentage has dropped to around 18% and while I am happy with the way I look, a lot of people around me keep making comments like "you're too skinny" or "you had better not lose any more weight". It's not just 1 or 2 people either -- it's many of those I am close to and even family members. It really makes me second guess myself and question whether I have some kind of body dysmorphia or eating disorder even though I am within the healthy range for BMI and I eat between 1800-2300 calories/day (depending on how much I work out).

Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you respond to comments like this?

After losing roughly 200 lbs., I get it all the time. Like you, I am also more serious about eating correctly and exercise.

I know several things for a fact:

My weight is within the medically recommended range for my height / age; My rheumatologist and cardiologist are thrilled with my success and were aware of what I was doing / eating. They had actually been recommending surgery; My wife is happy; and most importantly – I am happier with myself and all the benefits I have reaped.

In general, I keep weight-loss “details” to a minimum and simply say “thank-you” if I get a compliment.

With regards, to “too skinny” comments I reiterate that I am well within norms and where my doctors want me to be – that usually ends the conversation.

cuckoo_jenibeth

My boss is on a kick now of telling me, "you need to be careful, you are getting really thin through the face" or "I don;t think you need to lose more, you look great". I am convinced she is doing this because she lost weight last year on a newspaper challenge and gained it back and can't stand it that I am successful and that she isn't the "skinny" nurse anymore!

mjglantz

I've been getting this for a while. I'm 5'8" and now weigh around 138-140 and at lunch a friend said "you should gain a few pounds." I get it a lot and usually just smile and say "thanks for your feedback. I feel great!"

Christine_72

mjglantz wrote: »

I've been getting this for a while. I'm 5'8" and now weigh around 138-140 and at lunch a friend said "you should gain a few pounds." I get it a lot and usually just smile and say "thanks for your feedback. I feel great!"

Same stats as you, except i cant seem to get under 140lbs.

A lot of people here have said tell them your doctor says you're ok or in the right weight bracket. I have tried that one to no avail. These people have a bloody answer to everything! lol
I get, "well its not the right weight for YOU" or "doctors don't know everything".

It's ok, it's only my mum,sister and hubby that say it, i can grin and bear it

lauries8888

christinev297 wrote: »

mjglantz wrote: »

I've been getting this for a while. I'm 5'8" and now weigh around 138-140 and at lunch a friend said "you should gain a few pounds." I get it a lot and usually just smile and say "thanks for your feedback. I feel great!"

Same stats as you, too. But my entire family is 5'2" and size 2s so I will always be the big'un, no matter how much I weigh. <sigh> No one has ever told me that I am too skinny.

meganjcallaghan

dustyyellowstar wrote: »

This happened to me recently. I've lost 20lbs and my husband made the comment of "You're not going to be able to lose anymore. It's genetics. You're already skinny enough for your body type, your body naturally isnt going to let you lose more."

I had to stop for a second and ask myself who gave him the RD in Dietary Nutrition, because as far as I knew he worked on computers, not metabolisms.

It really upset me and threw me off, but I'm getting back on track now.

bahaha...i can't wait until you lose more and can be all like "ok...so what other bro science would you like to try to sell me on?"

Christine_72

meganjcallaghan wrote: »

dustyyellowstar wrote: »

This happened to me recently. I've lost 20lbs and my husband made the comment of "You're not going to be able to lose anymore. It's genetics. You're already skinny enough for your body type, your body naturally isnt going to let you lose more."

I had to stop for a second and ask myself who gave him the RD in Dietary Nutrition, because as far as I knew he worked on computers, not metabolisms.

It really upset me and threw me off, but I'm getting back on track now.

bahaha...i can't wait until you lose more and can be all like "ok...so what other bro science would you like to try to sell me on?"

My hubby said that i'm not ever going to be able to lose my belly, after all I'm not 20 anymore!! I agree with him, in that it wont go from diet alone, to get a completely flat tummy the gym and weight room is in my future

64mustangsue

I get that from my Mom of all people. The same person who told me I was getting heavy. Can't win. I am 5' 1/2" and 102lbs. Just keep reminding her I weighed 98lbs when I got married and she didn't think I was to skinny then.