SS Fitness

Losing weight should not be embarrassing. I can’t tell you the number of times when I have been accused of being anorexic or a show-off because I did not want to eat a certain food. Often, I had to cancel plans with family and friends because I was ashamed of bringing a meal prep or eating something different from the people around me.

While I hear some of you in the comments screaming, “What if they are actually anorexic?” or “What if they are getting too thin?” Please do not express your concern to someone in this way because, as someone with a history of disordered eating, all I would hear is that it’s working. If I heard someone say, “You are looking sick, thin, or tired,” I would feel proud because it means that all of the effort I’m putting in is working.

If you are genuinely concerned and have a relationship, tell the person that you are worried about them and allow them to open up on their own terms. You can’t help someone who doesn’t want help. Be careful of accusing someone of being “too restrictive.” Sometimes people may just be making better choices and may need some support doing that.

People should not be shamed for striving to improve their lives. This kind of shame might stem from jealousy. I have personally experienced feeling resentful towards someone who achieved a goal that I also wanted but did not pursue. At times, I would even go so far as to imagine scenarios to criticize them instead of acknowledging their hard work and accomplishments.

If you are on a weight loss and health journey, know that you have my support. I encourage you to do it in a healthy way because while it may feel like it takes a long time, you should focus on sustainability. Make the healthy choice, and be careful not to go too far.