How will people react to weight gain?

Sabre1232
Sabre1232 Posts: 37 Member
edited November 13 in Motivation and Support
So, as stated in an earlier post, over the course of a 11 week college term, I have put on about 20lbs. A lot of this was due to poor eating habits and overeating. For perspective, I am 5'8 and am 181 lbs as of today. The weight is apparent as my face is chunkier with a slight double chin, and my thighs and butt look stuffed into my pants(clothes aren't fitting as well). My stomach has always been large but looks bigger and spills over my pants.

Overall, it is obvious that I am now overweight and have gained weight. I have yet to visit the majority of my friends and my boyfriend and am wondering if they will say anything or notice...

My parents haven't said anything yet but are probably surprised.

I am working on losing this weight.

But basically, how would you react if your friend, girlfriend, daughter etc put on weight while away...

Replies

  • suzievv
    suzievv Posts: 410 Member
    It is not my concern when my friends and family members gain weight. It's their body. I notice, especially if it's a big difference, but I don't say anything. Of course I want my friends and family to be healthy. But I never say anything to anyone when they gain or lose weight. I love them just the same when they gain or lose weight as I did before they gained or lost the weight. To me, they're the same person as they were before. I am always puzzled when people talk about other people's weight gain or loss.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    I wouldn't say a thing . You will find that many many people put on weight and take it off and put it on again as they go throughout their lives. It's not the end of the world.
  • Sabre1232
    Sabre1232 Posts: 37 Member
    I think my parents are going to sit me down and talk about it -_-
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    SharpSabreSword wrote: »
    I think my parents are going to sit me down and talk about it -_-
    SharpSabreSword wrote: »
    I think my parents are going to sit me down and talk about it -_-

    It's great that they're concerned about you. You can say, thanks for your concern. I'm concerned too, so here's my plan.
  • Sabre1232
    Sabre1232 Posts: 37 Member
    I think they are more concerned about looking bigger. Idk how mcuh they care about my health.
  • Hamsibian
    Hamsibian Posts: 1,388 Member
    You're assuming a lot of things that haven't seemed to happen yet. Just focus on your goals, and if your parents want to have a conversation, then have one. Tell them you recognize it, and are working on losing weight. They can support you if it matters that much to them. It doesn't have to be complicated or dramatic.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    Like they told you in the other topic, you didn't invent the freshman 15. Chill out! Keep working on your goals and also come up with a plan to make sure you have fun during your stay, and stop worrying so much! :smile:
  • courtneyfabulous
    courtneyfabulous Posts: 1,863 Member
    Yeah everyone gains weight when they go off to college. It's odd though you think they'll care more about how you look than your health? I mean they're you're parents of course they care about your health.

    If they do bring it up you can just let them know you're going to make changes- most people that do actually say something just want to help.

    I think you're stressing too much about what other people think of you. It's more important to focus on what YOU think of yourself.

    Also ask yourself the same question- what if when you go back home and see your old friends THEY have put on 20 pounds? What will you think? What will you say to them? Will you even say anything about it? You might discover you're not the only one to gain the freshman 15 (or 20).

    This is a really common thing that happens. What's important is you've realized it and are going to make changes for the better now.
  • suzievv
    suzievv Posts: 410 Member
    Chiming in again to say that I like a lot of the responses you've gotten. This takes me back to my freshman year. I didn't gain weight, but I DID eat an unhealthy diet, and I became so anemic that I was sick and couldn't do anything. I think my hemoglobin was about an 8, maybe 9; not quite low enough to need an emergency blood transfusion, but low enough to feel awful and unable to do my school assignments. Take care of your body and take care of yourself by eating nutritious food. You can lose 20 pounds through tracking your calories. Hang in there, hun!
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,744 Member
    Sabre1232 wrote: »
    I think they are more concerned about looking bigger. Idk how mcuh they care about my health.

    Well, that's sad if it's true. Either way, you're an adult now so YOU are in charge of your health regardless of the opinion of others, relatives or not.

    Instead of worrying about how everyone else will react, I'd suggest focusing your energy on setting a proper meal plan that is sustainable long-term for you. We all gain and lose pounds here and there over the course of our lives, but if there are emotional and/or psychological issues involved and attached to food and behaviors then those need to be faced and overcome as well. You can do it! Be patient and consistent.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    You can use this opportunity to talk with your parents about how you would like to eat while home and how you can contribute to meal prep. Invite them to go on walks with you too.
  • mila_lova
    mila_lova Posts: 163 Member
    edited December 2016
    When I gained 20 lbs, my boyfriend asked me to lose it, but my friends didn't say anything. I don't talk about weight with my friends unless I know one of them has been working hard on losing weight and is seeing results.

    It really makes no difference to me whether a friend loses or gains weight. I love them for who they are. The same with my boyfriend- I actually didn't see it when he gained a bunch of weight. His parents kept talking about it but I literally did not notice it.
  • mila_lova
    mila_lova Posts: 163 Member
    If you wait too long to see your boyfriend he might worry that you don't like him anymore.
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