Anyone else have issues with people acting like you're being unhealthy by dieting?

I'm only about 20-30 pounds overweight, and dress in a way to hide my tummy really well. Every once in a while the topic of diet ends up coming up with a friend or acquaintance. The problem is, whenever a family member or friend finds out I'm watching my weight, they act as if I'm being anorexic or something. The first comment is always ":o you don't need to lose weight!!!" And they're almost angry that I'm trying to stay healthy.

For reference, my BMI is about 25, so I'm juuust inside the overweight category. I just don't feel like I'm at a healthy spot. I'm not very active normally (now I am obviously trying to fix that) so no, I'm not healthy. I want to lose weight and become more active for ME. I hate people acting as if I'm offending them by trying to prevent myself from becoming obese.

Sorry, needed to rant... my point is, does anyone else have this issue? What do you say to these people to make them understand?

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Some people say this to be kind. An assbackward compliment. However, I can't believe anyone would get angry at your trying to stay healthy.
  • Vonica17
    Vonica17 Posts: 26 Member
    Idk if angry is the word, but definitely annoyed. I've actually had friends argue with me, saying they're bigger than me so I shouldn't need to diet or whatever. Like they compare me to them and say I need to keep eating more because I'm still growing or something stupid like thay (for the record, I'm in my twenties).
  • Chef_Barbell
    Chef_Barbell Posts: 6,644 Member
    I tend to ignore stupid people and comments.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Ignore them!
  • angelmg
    angelmg Posts: 1 Member
    Omgosh, I feel like we're the same person :) I almost hate eating in front of friends sometimes because they question everything I eat and do. I'm trying to get healthy and find myself and wish I could have their encouragement instead.
  • sunnybeaches105
    sunnybeaches105 Posts: 2,831 Member
    There is a tendency by some overweight people to take offense to others who are dieting, especially if the person who is dieting is smaller than them. It's as if anything said is taken as a personal attack. I'd just ignore or completely avoid them. You can't fix that level and weird mix of narcissism and self loathing.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Don't have the conversation in the first place
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,422 Member
    angelmg wrote: »
    Omgosh, I feel like we're the same person :) I almost hate eating in front of friends sometimes because they question everything I eat and do. I'm trying to get healthy and find myself and wish I could have their encouragement instead.

    Those aren't "friends."
  • I hate when this happens.. You just need to say respectfully that you are going to do what's right for you and they can do what's right for them