How do I tell my family??

Congrats on the weight loss. I know how it feels. When I lost 25+ lbs, no one said anything. Only my classmates did, but family and in-laws didn't say a thing, whereas my boyfriend had lost 5 lbs and they would all comment on it. So that was a little strange to me, but I figured it has nothing to do with them, it is not their business, I lose weight for my own health, not for anyone to notice, and once they will comment on it, I know I will not give a damn.

I'm also only 5'3 and started in January too. I've lost 20 lb so far and people have only just started to comment in the last week or so.

When the first friend commented I said to her "Thank you so much - you're the first person who's noticed". She replied "I actually noticed a week ago but didn't say anything because I wasn't sure how to ask without sounding nosy".

Sometimes people won't feel comfortable commenting until you wear an outfit that makes it really obvious, which can be hard if you are still wearing your 'starting' clothes. I think people are afraid of accidentally being wrong and insulting someone, so to be safe they don't say anything.

In the meantime, so that you can see the effect this has had on your health, try picking up 22 lb worth of stuff (big books are good and heavy) and see what that feels like. Because that is how much weight you don't have to carry around any more. Keep going and good luck!

Hi, I'm 19 and have been on a diet since January and I've lost 22lbs so far. I didn't tell my family or friends that I was on a diet, just because I find it a little bit awkward (I think because it makes me acknowledge that I was fat to begin with). I returned home from university a few weeks ago, thinking that everyone would comment on how much weight I've lost/that I look really good. But no one has said a thing. It has really really de-motivated me, and I don't see the point on carrying on if I don't even look any different. I know I'm losing the weight for me, and I will be so much healthier and feel a lot better when I reach my target weight, but it has really got me down.
I want to be able to tell my family/friends that I'm trying to lose weight so hopefully they can support me (and not think it's weird when I turn down dessert!).
Any advice is very welcome!!

22lbs is amazing and I am sure you DO look different. Don't feel discouraged about your family not saying anything - there could be many reasons for that and you can never truly know why. It could be that they don't want to acknowledge the loss in case you think they thought you needed to lose some weight in the first place. When I was at college, a friend came back from summer break looking completely different, and I was worried to say "you look great!" because it was like saying he didn't look great before.

Just let them know how much you have lost, and how much better you feel for doing so. Share with them your healthy eating and exercise tips, maybe they could learn something too. It doesn't need to be an embarrassing or touchy subject, there is nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight.

Way to go! That is a big accomplishment especially with you being in school. The food choices on campus are not that good. I make sure I pack healthy snacks before I head to campus.

It took about 30 lbs for anyone other than my husband to notice my WL. My husband first noticed it in my face and neck. After the first 30 came off people started to ask if I was losing weight. Now that i've gone past my goal people practically squeal when they see me freaking out saying OMG you look GREAT!! Some want to know how I did it etc.

Buying new clothes is the fun part. First I started just taking in my clothes so they didn't hang on me like sacks. Then it got to the point where I could't take them in anymore. Only so much you can do when its the *kitten* send of your jeans that's hanging on you. Bra's will sag as well and those cups can't be taken in period! Try consignment shops or check out flea markets and yard sales for something to hold you over till you hit your goal weight. Then go bonkers and treat yourself! I was treating myself whenever I hit a small goal like first 10 pounds lost, then the next 10 or 5. Make your rewards fun but don't reward with food. your not a dog. I reward with a haircut or new top, see a movie, go to the park or attend some fun school events in a fancy outfit. Maybe get a friend to do your hair and makeup.

Again, good for you!! Keep up the good work! You can do it!

Don't be discouraged!! Remember you are doing this for you and not for them. One thing I found that when I returned after losing weight is that the people that were around me that needed to lose weight themselves struggled with a bit of jealousy and found it difficult to acknowledge my accomplishments when they couldn't achieve their own. Tell them so they know, screw 'em if they're not supportive!

Congrats on 22 pounds! I agree with a previous poster about being able to do that while in college, very impressive.

People are just starting to notice that I've lost some weight and asking about it (which is actually annoying to me...but that's another story/post ) I've noticed that they only started to mention it when I wore things that actually fit. Up until recently I've been wearing the same clothes as close to 40lbs ago--when I do it doesn't look as if I've actually lost much weight. Could that have been part of it when you were home visiting?

Keep up the great work, you should be very proud! :flowerforyou:

I didn't read all the comments but hopefully someone else has pointed this out. They might not want to comment on your weight out of politeness. I know I personally don't comment on someone's weight unless they have stated they are losing weight or trying to.

You don't want to comment on how someone look so much better now if they haven't really lost anything.

Just a thought.

:flowerforyou:

THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYBODY! This was my first every post om MFP, and I'm now feeling really motivated again and have really remembered why I wanted to lose weight in the first place- to be healthy and happy within myself, not for others to comment on.

Took 5lbs for family to notice
Took 15 for close friends to notice.

But I've been losing inches too so...

Took my neighbors almost IMMEDIATELY to notice

Hahahaha. This gives new meaning to the ongoing quarrel in my house of "what would the neighbors think?", "they don't notice us", "they have their own lives", "we look at them, they must watch us", etc..etc...etc.... So yeah, neighbors. The most supersonic group of acquantainces we have.

Dont let them discourage you just like you thaught it might be weird to tell them they might think the same they love and support you and probally noticed but didnt want to embares or offend yoy however great job on the weight loss

Just lose weight for yourself....you will feel better physically and boost your confidence and self esteem.. it's all ABOUT YOU!

to repeat what's been said (....or to verify that it's true) I literally posted a topic in the forums asking that exact question...when do people start to notice.....I've lost 22 and no one can tell but me....I consistently heard 30+ so my theory is do it for you and WHEN they start noticing you are already in an amazing place with your weight loss/fitness journey Keep it up!