Skinny comments after big weight loss can sting just like the old fat ones

Changing how you look through serious weight training is possible if that is your goal. Changing what others say is much harder. Most people speak without thinking and simply repeat ideas they absorbed from society. Comments about appearance often come from people unhappy with themselves. You control your own reaction by deciding not to let the remark affect you. A therapist can help develop better ways to handle negativity if it keeps bothering you. Adding gym work can also help rebuild lost muscle.

One hundred twenty-five pounds is an excellent weight for your height. Few people are perfect, and health issues can lead to weight problems or other conditions. Being content with yourself brings the most happiness, and you have every reason to feel good about the results and the health improvements. At my age an athletic, toned build looks best to me, and that often includes a more defined face that shows commitment.

My main question is what your relationship is to the people making these remarks and whether you can limit their contact with you. I am the same size and roughly the same age yet I do not get told I look sick. I also do not encounter many strangers, but the people I do see would never say something unkind about my appearance to my face. Anyone who did would not get another conversation from me.

Congratulations on the large weight drop. Losing weight is difficult no matter the method. Beauty standards vary widely from person to person. Only your own view of your appearance matters. You cannot satisfy everyone. It is understandable to feel the way you do after such effort. You owe no one an explanation. Keep improving your body in the way you choose. When I was very lean I sometimes heard comments from women who said they preferred men with more weight, which I took as their own insecurity.

Many of us still carry shame from having been heavier even after the weight is gone. An interview with Jerry O'Connell showed he still gets upset when people label him the fat kid from his old movie role. That is a reminder not to let others affect you. Backhanded remarks usually come from jealousy. You accomplished something impressive and should keep reminding yourself of that.

Consider taking a short break from the medication and increasing food intake for a while. Some people create very large daily calorie deficits without realizing it, which can lead to hair loss and an unhealthy appearance. Occasional breaks and higher calories for a period can help avoid that. You cannot escape basic nutrition and biology; if the body senses starvation it will show it.

People who criticize are often just jealous. Your results are impressive.

Part of the reaction may be that people still picture you as you were when much heavier. The mismatch creates discomfort so they say you look wrong even though you look healthier. It is not a conscious process and does not excuse poor manners, but it explains some of the skinny comments. Reaching roughly one-third of your starting weight is still a major achievement.

Seeing someone make major positive changes can make others feel inadequate, so they try to pull the person back down. The remarks have little to do with you and everything to do with their own issues. Focus on the people who support you and treat the rest as background noise. Congratulations on everything you have done.

Congratulations on completing such a long process. Keep reminding yourself of the positives. It is impressive how quickly the change happened. What dose did you reach?

Ignore the critics and do what works for you. If asked about the weight loss you can answer that it was medication and leave it at that.

My nicknames shifted from references to being fat to references to looking like I come from a famine area. I did not mind the fat comments and I do not mind the skinny ones. When asked I simply say it is from the medication. Most people who lose large amounts of weight seem to face similar reactions from their circles. Liking how you look and feeling good about yourself matters most.

Distance yourself from people who make those kinds of remarks.

Ignore the negative voices completely, focus on training and health, and stop caring what others think because they are usually just envious.

Years of weight changes have shown me that any uninvited remark about looks, good or bad, says more about the speaker. Even positive comments remind me how often people judge bodies. Sometimes I appreciate the words and sometimes I do not feel like discussing it. Congratulations on your progress and best wishes for whatever goals you set next.

I am sorry you are dealing with these remarks. Some people are hurtful whether they intend it or not. Your story motivates me to improve my own health. Keep your head up because you earned the results.

The only opinions that count are yours and your doctor's regarding whether the weight is appropriate.

You put in real effort and reached an excellent place. It is hard to understand why anyone feels the need to make rude comments or pry into whether you are ill. I am sorry you have to hear it.

My relatives began calling me skinny-fat and saying I was too thin, yet they had little to say when I carried more weight.

Your results are impressive and your story can motivate others. Most observers only see the current point and not the years of work behind it. People will always share opinions without knowing the full picture. You are at a healthy weight and have reason to feel proud. Adding strength training is a good next step for body composition and confidence. In the end, being healthy and content with yourself is what counts most.