Amazing things people say when you're losing weight

lindalou4850

You have lost a lot of weight, are you sick??? what if i said "Yes I am dying" how would they feel then??

pastryari

I found it a little amusing when people decided to help me watch my diet after i lost 40 lbs without their help. "Should you be eating that"? - That's my all time favorite.

Lol I think it's hilarious when people do that, actually. I just smile knowingly and say I can eat anything I want. Everything in moderation.

JoolieW68

I want to add this- I've noticed that MEN make eye contact now & are generally nicer - hold doors, chat me up ... I guess most women would be pleased with this but IT MAKES ME MAD!
I'm the same 'fatty' who was invisible last year. LOL I'm still invisible.
HOW can I be invisible at 200 lbs and MORE visible now?! grrrr

I'm SO with you on this, I have noticed the same thing. I see the same people day after day at work who previously would not make eye contact when we passed in the hallway, now will be very friendly. Really says a lot about them, I think.

Emancipated_Tai

You look so good....NOW! (Geee, thanks!)

Are you losing weight because of Jennifer Hudson? (Ranted about this yesterday, she is not the Black woman weight loss goddess)

You had surgery right? (Contrary to popular belief, people can lose large amounts of weight sans bariatric surgery!)

LOL.. THIS!! I've been compared to JHud more than once. I'm like "No, I want to get healthy.. I don't want to have an alien shaped head."

81Katz

Honestly, I don't look to take comments the wrong way. I welcome comments like "You look great" because I know they mean it. Clearly they see I have worked very hard and made lots of sacrifices because you know what? I needed to make those changes and sacrifices to get to where I am now.

I don't know how else to take a 'skinny fat' comment other than negatively. I don't know how else to take a comment (true story) "are you turning into one of them anorexics now?" other than negatively. I can't imagine anyone means anything nice by these comments.

secretlobster

Wow.

I'm not sure where I said or even implied that I hate all compliments. I started this post for people to share particular things that people have said that may be really off-base or insensitive.

Daella

I lost 40lbs a couple of years ago and am now trying to maintain. There are some absolutely astounding things that people (usually skinny people!) have said to me while I was losing weight.

"Wow, if you lose any more weight you'll be a model"

"You've lost a ton of weight" (Me: "uh, I think 'ton' may be the wrong word..") "Yes you have! You've lost a TON!"

"So how much weight did you lose exactly?" (Me: "That's kinda personal") "So like more than 30 pounds?"

Anyone else want to share their own version of "Idiots Say The Darndest Things"?

I thought those were all pretty nice things for people to say, yet you call them idiots? Harsh.

I think it kinda depends on the mood you're in/angle you look at it. At first, I thought they were relatively nice. However, that's the way my family would say it also. But, I can ~also~ see how it can be...almost rude? But when it comes to weight talk, people don't always know how to say what they mean without looking like a fool.

wolfehound22

What people say never bothered me, but it always made me wonder, man did I look that bad before lol.

81Katz

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81Katz

Wow.

I'm not sure where I said or even implied that I hate all compliments. I started this post for people to share particular things that people have said that may be really off-base or insensitive.

Oh come on negative nelly, I am sure when people say we're less of a fat *kitten* they mean it in the nicest way possible...
(I'm being sarcastic) I get what you're saying all the way!

Daella

I have recently lost a little over 20lbs but I am down a total of 45lbs since the beginning of 2011. People at work didn't really say anything to me and friends only said encoraging things like "I am so proud of you for accomplishing your goal!" But my family is the worst about these kind of comments. Like my mom said to me a few months ago, "Wow, you almost look as good as you did in high school." and then the other day she said "You're really started to get some muscle definition, aren't afraid of getting bulky and ruining all your hard work?" and I said, "What? How does becoming ever more fit ruin my hard work?" Her response, "Well you'll look big in clothes again."

My grandmother is like that too. She goes "Oh my, where did you get that butt? Not from MY family.." Or "Where did my skinny girls go. "

TourThePast

You have lost a lot of weight, are you sick??? what if i said "Yes I am dying" how would they feel then??

Sudden weight loss is a symptom of many cancers.

Be thankful that they care enough to ask.

christibam

"Don't you think you should slow down?" Wtf, why? I'm eating right and just working out like I have never done before. Not like I'm losing 100lbs in a month.

"Look how THIN she's getting!" (My mother in law says this to everyone at her house every single time I come over.) I say thanks but then it sparks an hour long conversation about what I've been doing with people asking me all sorts of questions just to tell me, "Oh, you shouldn't do that!!!" *****es, please. I eat healthier than they do.

"You don't need to run as much as you do. You look great but it's bad for you." What? Really?? I do a 16 minute mile with hills and a 10 minute mile on level ground. The most I've gone so far is 2.25 miles in one run and I don't even go for more than 30 minutes yet. And since when is running bad for people?

The most annoying thing recently is people, who sit on the couch all day, trying to give me advice on the marathon I'm doing in January. Yes, I know that 26.2 miles is a butt ton. Yes, I know I'm "too out of shape to do a marathon" RIGHT NOW. But I won't be too out of shape to do one with 9 months of training... Yet the first reaction when it comes up in conversation that I'll be doing one is, "OH WOW! THAT'S AWESOME!" followed by all the negatives.

I think people are just jelly at this point because they're being one upped by a heifer.

Miss_dannii

You have lost a lot of weight, are you sick??? what if i said "Yes I am dying" how would they feel then??

Sudden weight loss is a symptom of many cancers.

Be thankful that they care enough to ask.

I disagree and would be more inclined to say they'd be asking out of nosiness rather than concern

stellaskies

Since I'm not obese and much smaller than my coworkers whenever I mention weight loss I get the good ol' eye roll and "if you lose anymore you'll waste away" crap. I don't know if I've ever heard anything encouraging. Sad.

81Katz

You have lost a lot of weight, are you sick??? what if i said "Yes I am dying" how would they feel then??

Sudden weight loss is a symptom of many cancers.

Be thankful that they care enough to ask.

and sudden weight gain could be a sign of someone eating too much crap, but most people don't go around telling their loved ones "Gee, you've put on a few haven't you?" "Wow, if you gain anymore you're going to explode". "Wow, pretty soon we're going to have to grease you through the doorway." Why don't we say those things? Right, because it's insensitive and hurtful.

See how that works?

MOS3

Most people like to sabatoge you... like oh your getting so skinny, you shouldn't lose anymore weight.
I say no, I just need to lose a few more friends like you......LOL

Totally love this response - I am gonna use it (if you don't mind) cos I am getting this all the time. Even to the point I am getting paranoid incase I am too thin. (I'm not - 5 ft 6 and 142lbs and fit in to a UK 12) . My only worry is I am nearly 49 so don't want to look too thin for my age.

pfamilygal

^^^ I know, right? Lately, all I read are these blogs about "stupid things people say to: "mothers of twins", "mothers with new babies", "civilans to soldiers" and now those that have lost weight...the list goes on and on....I'm afraid to open my mouth for fear of insulting or offending someone with my stupidity. Sheesh

Then you probably don't know how to say something nice. Compliments are simple, they don't come in the form of making assumptions.

I don't know. I read one of those "don't say to moms of twins" lists. It had things like, "Don't say they are a blessing," "Don't tell me how you wished you had twins, " etc. Well, they ARE a blessing and I DO wish I had twins. I prayed for twins so hard with my last pregnancy. I knew I couldn't have any more, and would have loved twins. So I'm not lying. And I'm usually holding open a door for the mom or helping her in some way, while complimenting her on her lovely babies.

People are way too sensitive.

I had a co-worker say, "Wow, T, you look so nice now that you'd lost the fat. I mean, your face was always nice, but now your body matches!" Umm, thanks?

I'm just glad folks notice. I usually just smile at their attempt and say, "Yup, I'm working towards a healthier, stronger me! Thanks for noticing."

vanessairene

I lost 25 pounds before I found MFP (not I'm here trying to lose the last 20) and my favorite was:

"Wow you're losing weight! Is everything alright?" I might add this came from the same person who would describe me to people as "could be super pretty, but had a weight issue"

hater.

greenmm25

yes I agree with you I almost gave up a couple of weeks ago and then I saw a friend i havent seen for a long time and she made a comment like you look great and asked what I was doing, and that was enough for me now to give up and get going again. so I love when people complement me on my weight loss. :-)

Nicolette_Karls

I think part of how we view comments made by others depends on how far into our weight loss journey we are. I'm not entirely sure how much weight I've lost, as the only scale on my campus is one from the 1800's, but I get a little touchy with some comments.

I think the three things that bother me the most are:
1) My boyfriend constantly touching my stomach and telling me I look sexy. I haven't lost any weight off my stomach...it's all come off my thighs and arms. Thanks for pointing out the one area that won't shrink (though I know he means well).
2) People who hear that I'm on a diet (and have been for a few months now) and say that I don't look any different. I cut out so much junk food and have taken to many steps to be healthier; no need to bash me.
3) I know this is a little crazy, but whenever I go shopping with my sister (who is a head taller and fits her twig-self into a size 0) and she says "wow, those pants look really slimming on you." As I stand there holding my size 7 jeans because I can't fit into the size 3's I have at home.

I don't know, I think if I weren't so trapped in the middle of my weight loss, I would feel better. For the most part, I just nod my head, but sometimes people say things that they don't really think out all the way.

On a positive note: congrats to all the amazing weight loss stories people are telling on this post! Keep up the good work, and whatever people say, as long as you are happy and healthy that's all that matters

smittenmikish

"You look so great now!" --- Now??

"Being thinner makes you look younger... you look like you are 16!" ---- :huh:

"Oh you are finally losing your baby weight..." ----ummm... thanks?

Flixie00

Its not that I don't appreciate the compliments, but I wish people would talk about something else with me. Trying to explain what you did to lose the weight, and listening to their stories as to why they cannot find the time to exercise is getting a little repetative.

christibam

I found it a little amusing when people decided to help me watch my diet after i lost 40 lbs without their help. "Should you be eating that"? - That's my all time favorite.

True Story!!

YES!

I've had a few people sit there and say, "You know, avocados have a lot of fat and calories." I just looked at the last person that said that and said, "You know, that bacon double chili-cheeseburger you're eating has a lot of sodium, calories, and trans fat." They shut up and let me finish eating my salad rofl

LastMinuteMama

Wow.

I'm not sure where I said or even implied that I hate all compliments. I started this post for people to share particular things that people have said that may be really off-base or insensitive.

I think it was the word "idiots"...and that I've read a few of these before and am feeling overly sensitive this morning.


But, I'll play....Here's something I found odd that a friend said, I'll call it "Odd things people say"

My friend who has lost a bit of weight and runs with me every now and again has frequently asked me why I'm trying so hard to shed pounds. "You look fine" She says. I don't wanna look "fine", I wanna look "good". ...and my jeans are screaming at me every morning when I try to put them on.

plzlbsbegone

There are some people out there who do say things to be mean. Sometimes, people suck. They are jealous and try to bring you down a peg. Sometimes people say dumb things because they are dumb. Some say things to be nice, becuase they are nice. Sometimes people misunderstand what was said. Really only you and that other person are going to know what was really meant by it.

I like when someone aknowledges my weight loss, with a nice, simple comment "You look great."
When someone says "You look so much better now!", thats below the belt. Why tell someone you look good "NOW' as opposed to, "you look great"? It's either to take a dig or pure stupidity, either way, don't let it bother you!

Crashley04

I'm in the same boat. I need someone to notice (besides the hubby)

rachelmorgan77

I have had the "You're not sick, are you?" I nicely explain that I'm working out and watching what I eat. They really do mean well, and are geniunely concerned that I'm not ill, which is nice.

Although my favorite is my mom, who told me (and has for years) that I will never be "little" because of my bone structure. I know it's coming from her own neurosis (she's always been overweight), but I really want to tell her to stop, and let's just see what my body is actually capable of. It would be amazing to see what we can accomplish when no longer held back by excuses.

yoovie

if men are so stinking obsessed with titties- why do they always have this obnoxious urge to touch our tummies?

Siannah

My boss now calls me a skinny b1tch.

And that's meant as a compliment...!