🌟 Why you should stop complimenting weight loss 🌟
(Even if it's well-meaning!)
Telling someone they "look so great" after they lose weight can imply that you didn't think they looked great before. Even if that's not what you meant, commenting on weight loss can feel like a judgment and make someone feel that their worth is tied to their size and appearance. This can lead to disordered eating patterns, because people may feel pressured to maintain or lose more weight to receive validation.
Complimenting weight loss reinforces diet culture. It perpetuates the harmful narrative that thinness or weight loss is inherently desirable or superior to other body types.
Complimenting weight loss ignores the various reasons how someone lost the weight, some of which may be unhealthy or unsustainable. They could be developing disordered eating patterns or exercise addiction to try to lose weight. Or they could be sick, depressed, or grieving a loss and just have no appetite.
Complimenting weight loss ignores the fact that body diversity exists. Everyone's body is unique and healthy looks different from one individual to the next. Having a smaller body or achieving a lower number on the scale is not synonymous with being healthy. There are several factors that influence our body size, many of which we can't control (e.g. genetics).
Instead of complimenting weight loss, try another compliment that isn’t related to their body. Focus on celebrating people's achievements, strengths, talents, or personal growth, unrelated to their appearance or size. Maybe say something like, "You seem really confident lately," or "You look happy." Even telling someone you're happy to see them is a compliment people love to receive.
Or ask inviting questions like "How have you been?" and "How are you doing?" This gives someone space to bring up what they are comfortable sharing, about weight loss or life in general.
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