I don't know how to respond when people say I've lost weight.

[snowangle]

I lost about 20 pounds in the last year (so I'm 125 now) but I didn't lose it by dieting; I lost it because of my poor health. So when a friend comes up to me and says "Wow you look like you lost weight!" I don't know how to respond gracefully haha.. I can't really take credit for my weight loss because I didn't work for it. I saw an old friend today and she asked if I lost weight and I just went "Yeah.. yeah, I did." It was a little awkward. Suggestions?

[Gone_But_Not_Lost]

I know the feeling. I've had to take these new drugs where the side-effect helps me lose weight, but the truth is my health is suffering some. I've always exercised, but it wasn't much help with weight loss. Mainly it was to keep me strong. But my diet always kinda sucked, because bad food is cheap, and healthy food is for the well-off. That's not me.

People lately have commented on my weight loss, but to be honest, it's just incidental or a byproduct of the drugs prescribed. I just say, "Really? You think so?" they generally respond with confirmation, and I say something "Well, alright then." and leave it at that. Only if they pry do I start into the ugly truth of it.

Maybe you can do something like that?

[Confucius16]

Just say "Oh, really? Thanks!" Just be polite to diffuse any awkward situations.

People don't always have bad intentions, and although it may have implied that you were more chubby before, if it's a friend, then you can let it pass.

If you try to explain, then people will feel like not listening, unless they're really good friends or something.

You're health is poor? :( I hope you're feeling better. Are you feeling better?

[snowangle]

Haha, no worries; I know I was chubby before. :) Thanks for your answer!

It's a long story, but basically I have a stomach condition where I get nauseous if I eat certain foods. It's mostly foods that are bad for me though (like anything greasy or fatty, most sodas, and alcohol) so I guess it's for the best haha. ;P It's not terrible; just a lifestyle change.

[Confucius16]

So you're okay now?

In the past, I had this condition where my throat was really dry, like, almost no saliva, so I felt like gagging everywhere. Nausea followed me around everywhere. That feeling really sucks. I couldn't eat chips or spicy food. I hope you're better now:)

[snowangle]

Well, I still have the stomach condition lol. I think it's just something I have to live with. It's not a huge deal. :D That sucks for you though... that sounds awful! Glad you're better now.

[Confucius16]

Thanks. You're not going to lose any more weight, right?

[snowangle]

Probably not. I think I've just about plateaued haha.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately, there's no way to avoid it. People will mention it because usually people lose weight on purpose and it'd be rude to NOT mention it in those cases, haha!

I think you handled it perfectly, just agreeing without elaborating.

[Opinion Owner]

Thanks for BA :-)

[brokenme23]

I basically just smile and say o OK and that's it! hehe I wouldn't know how to respond to that either! :P

[kairon156]

"yeah I lost 20lbs but it wasn't due to working out or anything like that'

Responce 1: if they are curious enough to ask why than you can explain

Responce 2: if they just say something like oh well you look good than there's no further need to explain how you lost weight.

[1ibiz]

Just be honest. I got sick so I lost the weight, but I eat junk so I should be back to my fat self in no time!

[snowangle]

Lol, luckily my stomach problems keep me from eating much junk food. Otherwise I would be back to my regular fluffyness by now. ;)

[toulouse]

when that happens to me I just say I was sick.

[WoIIie]

Smile and say "thanks for noticing".