I have lost 16 lbs since January 1:) How does one handle people that are concerned your losing lbs?

[FreeState]

My goal is ten more - 128 lbs. I have already hit a couple plateaus that I know I hit (at 144 I stall out for a few weeks and then it starts to come off again).

Does anyone else here get the questions from people when they find out your eating habits have changed? My partner is getting people making comments to him that they are worried as to why I want to lose weight. I dont know how to answer those questions - but what they do not understand is I am a skinny thin boned 5'4 man. My body fat per my scale is 20% and my BMI is 23.3 - to me that is a little on the heavy side of healthy (healthy BMI is no more than 25 and no less than 18.8). Its just frustrating I guess because people look at me like Im anorexic or something. My family has always had issues with being overweight, although I have only been up to 163 lbs at one point) so my main goal is to get the a healthy weight that is comfortable for me to maintain and is healthy in the long run - thats why I have 128 as a goal (BMI of 22) - I have been there before an liked how I felt and looked at that weight. How do you help people that care about you understand your not anorexic or unhealthy short of stripping naked in front of them?

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Edited to add I am using Weight Watchers (the program only - no meetings.)

[Droopy]

1. Tell them exactly what you've told us here

Make sure they understand what your goal is and that you are going to stop losing weight at that point and will be eating a healthy diet.

[handmade34]

2. take them out

and share a healthy meal and answer their questions, if they are truly concerned.... some people may never understand. If your partner understands that is all important.

[justgamma]

3. I even got that question from my doctor.

I told him that he told me to watch my carbs. That I'm also watching my fat and calories. I think he was still skeptical. He gave me a lecture on using pills. I told him that I would never take a diet pill. Then he hugged me and told me that noone ever listens to him when he tells them to lose weight. (He's a big guy)

[auntAgonist]

4. From someone who has lost 168lbs

I still get comments from people who are SO concerned that I might entertain the idea of losing more weight. I'm not quick to let acquaintances know that I had weight loss surgery almost 4 years ago (biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch). I had a rough go of it in the first year after surgery and admittedly I looked very ill so people were concerned. I'm the picture of health now and people still feel the need to comment and caution me on their perception that I'm too skinny!

I am 5'4" tall and I weigh anywhere from 135 to 139lbs depending on when I weigh myself.

I tell people that I eat a healthy balanced diet. Lots of protein, more than most 'normal' people. They see me eating and still they feel the need to comment.

I'm rambling, I know, but seriously I don't think you can convince people when they have their minds made up. Those who are close to you
will continue to care and try to coach but maybe they will give up once they see you on a road to good health and happiness.

Your partner is the best buffer you have. He can help by reassuring those who love you that he is looking out for you and won't let you harm yourself by losing too much.


:hug:

good luck and congrats on the weight loss so far!

aA
kesha

[FreeState]

5. Thank you everyone for your replies...

Some really good ideas and suggestions. Im going to share them with my partner as well so he will know how to answer the questions too. I guess I dont have to much to complain about if Im concerned about what other people think LOL:)

Im thinking this is a weird thing that happen in a society with extreme weight problems, the people that have a slight weight problem, or that are just out of shape, get looked at like they are perfectly fine, while only the extremely obese or encouraged to live a healthier way in regards to diet and exercise.