Why are people not happy for you when you lose weight??

Pure envy. I can't tell you how many times people just shrug off the fact that I've lost 20 pounds and offer me some dessert. Do they not even understand the concept? I feel like some people are just out to sabotage me...:indifferent:

^^^THIS. Because I am already petite (5'2'', 130lbs), people scoff if I ever mention that I count calories or use MFP. They ask why I work out, like I have to justify it, and I can't tell them "No, I'll have to pass on that 400 cal cookie you're offering me, because it doesn't fit into my day" because they get offended that I think I still have any weight to lose, and they don't understand the idea of PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE on my body, and avoiding an obesity problem by acting now. Instead, they take it as a personal insult when that's the last thing I intend.

Because a lot of people are generally not happy anyway. Your success does nothing to affect their happiness and, likely, only reminds them of their own shortcomings.

You don't need other people's validation. Impressing yourself is always enough.

Its not only weight loss, I've come across it in other success..... awesome job, buying a house, getting married, etc.

I'm not sure if its jealously or just surprise.... I have found they come around eventually.

it means they are jealous when they are not happy. before i joined MFP i lost over 70 pounds and i would have " friends" tell me " OMG EAT A BURGER UR ANOREXIC or OMG EAT HUMAN FOOD NOT RABBIT FOOD..etc..and the list went on..but it just came down to them being jealous . haters gonna hate. keep ur chin up

!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS JUDY !!!!!!!!!!

some people are envious, frustrated about their own situation and some are just not caring persons.... They just don't know how to make compliments. For you it is important to support the others and notice their evolution but not everyone is like you....
If it makes you sad, try to surround you with people who take care of you and are supportive for you !

But I am pretty sure that you are stronger than what they say or don't say !

I think many of us are competitive at some inner level. We feel superior over others who struggle with weight or carry more weight than we do. When we see those others succeeding at weight loss, oh no...now there is a self-esteem issue. And yes, people feel uncomfortable when someone nearby is able to achieve goals they have only hoped for but not actually accomplished. They started the diet on Monday and quit by Wednesday, but you kept going with a healthy lifestyle. I do think we should be careful not to preach to others or add to the discomfort by trying to coach others unless they specifically ask for it. Just do what is right and healthy fo you. Congrats on your success -- ALL OF YOU.

Because they're jealous *****es.

Generally jealousy. Some people don't have much motivation and feel bad about themselves. Seeing someone be fit and looking good can be tough when you're down on yourself.

Here is a rather long post.
As a person who have seen both side of the spectrum within a 3 year period I can provide this insight.
I started off 3 years ago at 280 lbs, got mad at myself, then dropped down to 250 pds in a few months. I then sharply dropped to 230 lbs and was rather muscular. I received compliments and everyone was really proud of me. But I noticed a few people seemed to despise me, especially 1 friend who literally "dropped me" due to me being too "health nutty". I tried to stay upbeat and positive but at times I felt shame as if I was flaunting my new found health. I also found that my comments that I thought was motivational were viewed as insensitive and mean. At this point I was trying to get everyone to pretty much say "I was able to change, so can you!" But I was always given an excuse. " You don't have kids, you don't have to travel for work, this is the way i am and will always be."
And then I made my own excuse. Work stress got to me and I fell back into alot of bad habits because of it. I was in the office late, so I stopped working out, ate bad since it had to be quick and drank heavily again to decompress. In 1 year I regained weight back to 257 lbs. People were trying to motivate me to get back to the gym or watch my eating as I was rapidly ballooning but I didn't care. I resented people for saying that to me and that they didn't understand the stress I was going through. I wanted pity and be told it was ok for me to comfort myself by playing video games and eating cheesesteaks.
I then wokeup and realized that I had no excuses, I was being lazy. I went back to a gym but was embarrassed at how weak I was compared to a year ago. Exercises were embarrassing to to do and I was de-motivated and not pushing myself.
So I decided to join Crossfit last month as I felt a coach might help. ( I'm not pushing crossfit but it helped me personally get back on track so I suggest everyone find what works for them whether its group exercise or running solo.) Now I look back about a month ago and say why did I wait for a year to get back on track. I'm only down 5 lbs but I feel immensely more healthy. As it is, I hoped my story helped people see both sides of the spectrum and understand that the "haters" are like that for a reason. It's not DIRECT hatred toward you, its hatred toward themselves that they need to make an excuse to justify why you can do it and they why can't.. So, take the high road, don't talk fitness or health with them as it upsets them. And if they bring it up just answer back that "It took lots of work and time to get to this point but it was worth it" and end it there.

The truth...They don't care about your weight loss and are indifferent to their own. You are encouraging them to do something that they really don't want to do. You are officially a PITA...and a fit one at that...two strikes...

@Tamurken...you the man...well said , there are often two sides to any given story and your honesty is refreshing.

Life is not black and white, its a whole lot of grey with rainbows and sparkles I hope.

The person who matters most is the person in the mirror. If he or she is happy for your healthy weight loss or increased fitness level (and your doctor's on board), nobody else's opinions should matter all that much.

Let the opinions that matter not, not matter.

Congratulations to you on the positive changes in your life. :flowerforyou:

People who are great shape themselves are invariably happy for you.

People who are insecure about their own weight have trouble feeling happy for others.