MFP Competition? I don't think so!

MandyMoos1978

This is an open letter for those people who seem to think that weight loss is a competition. IT ISN'T!!!!!!!

MFP is a valuable tool that allows us to monitor our calorie intake and energy output in a safe and supportive environment. It encourages us to network with other 'slimmers' and share our advice and support with each other.

MFP is NOT a competitive website that pits slimmer against slimmer. Who has lost the most? Who has done the most exercise? It does not encourage this as it is an unhealthy perspective to have.

If you want to compete against a friend or family member with your weight loss then fair enough but do not force this upon those people who would just like support and advice.

Also I address this letter to those who see other people's progress as a negative and then give negative criticism to those people which then in turn makes them feel bad about themselves and can have the opposite effect and discourage them from continuing. There is room for friendly constructive criticism but there is no room for rudeness and tactless comments. Think before you comment, would you like to see this on your status?

Do not look at someone else's progress and compare them to yourself. We are all different. There are a lot of things to take into consideration. Age, gender, start weight, height, culture, race, location, environment. Just because someone is the same weight as you does not mean that you will lose at the same rate. Each person on MFP is a special and unique person. There are people wanting to lose weight, people wanting to maintain their weight and even people wanting to gain weight after illness.

Lets show each other the huge amount of respect we deserve and support, motivate and encourage each other rather than compare, compete and criticise.

Rant over! xxx

Martina_Who

I agree completly!
But..... I find others weight loss and exercise achievements a great motivation for me! It spurs me on!

MandyMoos1978

I agree totally with that - we should all do that! I am not saying don't praise each other, we should always offer praise and support for great progress. It is the people who react in a negative way that really do my head in!!!!!