First of all I want to congratulate you on your efforts; it’s a long hard road and you seem to have a great mindset.

I’ve been on a similar journey for the past year (70lbs and counting!) and have also been hesitant to “advertise” my success, for a number of reasons. I think a part of me is afraid to brag about it just in case I regress at some point down the road and return to the unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle which plagued me for decades. It’s one thing to have to face myself in the mirror every morning; it’s altogether much more difficult to face the scorn of others…(cue the trolls!)

I also don’t really think my choice to become healthier needs acknowledgement from others, beyond my immediate family who would be burdened with my health care needs and my doctor, who is constantly on my case about being overweight and over 40. Many many people manage to stay active and eat well as part of their everyday lives, and that is my goal — active and healthy as just part of my everyday experience. I don’t want to be a poster child for weight loss, nor do I want to open myself up to social criticism. My colleagues, friends, acquaintances, and extended family have recently begun offering such supportive phrases as “WOW, look at you, skinny minnie!” (which is absurd, since I’m 5'5" and still weigh 185lbs). Others want all the details: “How did you lose all the weight? What diet are you following? You must love shopping for new clothes now!”. I would love to reply with a sarcastic comment like, “why do you feel you have the right to know the secrets of my cupboards and fridge?” I’m not a sociology experiment, I’m just me. Why not just tell me how nice it is to see ME, without gushing over something that has absolutely nothing to do with my character, morals, values, beliefs, etc.?

I hope you find continued success, health and happiness. I also hope this experience of “coming out” to the world at large proves a positive one!