Other people’s comments can be a highlight of your weight loss journey; the hardest part of your weight loss journey; or a mix of the two, depending on what they’re saying and how you personally feel about what they’re saying.

Some people get offended if no one compliments them on their weight loss. Other people, meanwhile, prefer that no one says anything.

If you’re someone who WANTS compliments, but you’re not getting them, here’s the most likely reason people in your life aren’t saying anything:

They don’t want to offend you. (Kind of interesting, since you’re offended that they’re NOT saying anything!)

See, odds are you’ve spent a very long time losing weight, only to gain it back. Could be the people in your life are expecting you to just gain it back again; or are just concerned that if they say something, you’ll take it personally and tell them, “Oh, so you’re saying you thought I was fat before??”

In today’s culture, people get offended pretty easily, over pretty much anything, and it’s made more and more people hesitant to say anything (including something nice).

(If you’re gonna get offended if they DON’T say anything about your weight loss, you’re proving my point about how easily people in today’s world get offended.)

If you wanna be around people who’ll say positive, encouraging things about your weight loss, create your free account in the Code Red network, and share your progress with us there, so we can cheer for you!

Now, on the flip side, if you’re someone who doesn’t want anyone saying anything about your weight loss, including positive comments, it’s probably because you’ve lost and regained weight before, and are worried you will again.

There’s likely some shame, embarrassment, and feelings of failure around that fact, and your own thoughts and fears are about all you can handle.

For that reason, hearing other people’s comments–even positive ones–is pretty unbearable at the moment.

If you’re a woman, and the comments are coming from men, it could be that you don’t feel safe with that extra attention.

That’s actually very common if you gained weight after a sexual assault, believing that being fat would protect you. (It won’t, because the problem is your attacker, not you, but it’s a common belief among assault victims that being fat will protect you from attackers.)

If that’s you, consider some counseling to help you process these feelings. They’re no joke, and if you aren’t able to cope with them, it’s likely to result in self-sabotage, and continuing the weight regain cycle.

Dealing with negative comments

On the flip side, of all this, some people get negative comments or unsolicited opinions on their weight loss, such as:

“You don’t need to lose anymore weight.”

“You’re getting too skinny.”

“You look terrible.” (In some cases.)

If you get stuff like this, please do your best not to take it personally.

Just like you may be uncomfortable getting used to your new size, other people in your life may be uncomfortable, too.

Blurting this stuff out is their (admittedly inept) way of trying to deal with it.

Compared to how you were before you lost the weight, you may look “too skinny” to them, but that doesn’t mean you actually are “too skinny.” (Which, by the way, you could choose to take as a compliment!)

Dealing with their remarks can be as simple as, “Thanks for your concern,” and changing the subject.

If someone won’t stop bringing it up, you could get more assertive and tell them, “You know, you didn’t say a word about my appearance when I was fat. What makes you think you have a right to say something now?” Make them accountable for their unsolicited comments.

Someone who tells you that you “look terrible” is probably trying to be mean in order to make themselves feel better. In that case, DEFINITELY hold them accountable, and definitely refuse to allow their snide comments to derail you.

Losing weight is an emotional journey, and sometimes other people’s comments (or lack thereof) can add to the emotion.

That’s why it’s SO important to have a support system.

Depending on your situation, some counseling may be in order to help you process what you’re going through.

As always, do what’s right for you.

If you don’t have a support system, follow the instructions below to create your free account in the Code Red network, and get support from the Rebel community!

Have you created your free Code Red Lifestyle™ network account yet? If not, here’s how to get your account!

1) On your computer, create your account at www.CodeRedLifestyle.com/App.

2) If you want the network on a mobile device, go to the App Store or Google Play Store and search for Code Red Lifestyle.