7 Things You Should Never Say To Someone Who Is Trying To Lose Weight
shivani k 
Image: Shutterstock
Weight loss is considered to be a very personal and intimate issue by most people. And if you have someone close to you, who is trying to lose those extra kilos, it can certainly get tricky. You would want to encourage them in their journey but you don’t want to body-shame or upset them. Often times, we end up unintentionally hurting them. But the truth is unless you have that flab bulging out of your body, you probably won’t understand the emotional turmoil they are going through. But, worry not! We are here to help you get this right. Be it your friend or any random person in your gym, here’s a list of things you shouldn’t be saying to someone who is trying to lose weight in order to achieve a healthier, happier body.
1. “Hey, You Don’t Really Have To Lose Weight”
This is a very common statement that we end up blurting out when our friend talks about his/her decision to lose weight. We get it, you might have said this to communicate to them that you love them irrespective of how much they weigh on the scale (1). But, it’s not necessarily right. Motivate them; tell them that they are on the right track. Ask about their exercise regime or how they plan on achieving their goal. Don’t just say, “You don’t have to,” because who knows what their goal is why they want to lose weight. They probably want to become more athletic or perhaps want to avoid a medical condition. Appreciate their decision.
2. “Have You Tried The Keto Diet? It Worked Wonders For My Cousin Sister”
Imagine you just bought a new iPhone XS by swiping your credit card, and as soon as you get out of the mall, your friend comes over saying, “Let me tell you some ways to get out of debt.” Wouldn’t it make you fume like a volcano on the verge of eruption? It’s the same case with weight loss as well if your friend has decided to lose weight, don’t tell him/her about fad diets. Chances are that it might never work out for him/her. Just be happy to encourage your friend and keep your opinions to yourself.
3. “But, Didn’t You Try Losing Weight Last Year Too?”
Asking this is nothing short of mocking them about their failures. It’s like you are telling them that this weight loss goal of theirs is never going to pay off just as it didn’t in the past. Don’t give out unsolicited feedbacks like these. You need to encourage them on their weight loss journey and send positive vibes towards them. Instead of demotivating them by reminding them of their failures, ask them how they intend to tweak their diet plan.
4. “Don’t Eat That! Weren’t You On A Diet?”
You don’t have to act like the food police. Losing some extra pounds doesn’t mean you need to stop eating your favorite dessert, for the rest of your life. Cheat days are allowed. And if your friend is determined to spend an extra hour at the gym to compensate for the guilt-free binge, who are you to stop her?
5. “So, How Many Kilos Have You Lost So Far?”
This question can definitely irk a person who is trying to lose weight to an extent that they might feel depressed about it. Every “body” is distinct, and not everyone has the same metabolism rate. Therefore, for certain people, it will take quite some time to shed even half a kilogram of their weight, while for others it’s much faster. Instead of doing this, you could just casually ask them how their weight loss journey has been so far. This will allow them to share their experience with you, and you’ll also get the answer to your question.
6. “But, I Made These Brownies Especially For You”
The toughest part about losing weight is to keep all the temptations at bay. Okay, good that you put in lots of efforts and baked their favorite brownies for them. But, you also knew that they were on a diet, right? Please be careful around friends who are dieting or eating consciously. Make sure you don’t tempt them into eating a bucket full of calories. Remember to encourage and value their efforts.
7. “Look At Me. I Eat Everything And I’m Still Not Fat”
Honestly, why would you say that? Was it your intention to make it to your friend’s blacklist? No? Nevertheless, congratulations, you’ve succeeded in doing so! As mentioned earlier, not everybody around has the same body type. Maybe your body is able to break the food quicker, you digest quicker, and you burn the fat quicker. Many individuals out there struggle with this. Please be careful not to pass such comments about yourself which can hurt the self-esteem of your friend whom you care about very much.
These were some of the talks you need to refrain from while talking to anyone who is trying his or her best to get into a healthy shape and look fit and fab. If you want to add anything to this list, let us know in the comments below.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
