'Skinny' people in the office drag you into conversations about health and fitness. As they yammer on searching for sympathy or understanding I have a plastered on smile on my face wondering how I can duck out of the completely one-sided conversation. I get that weight loss ifs difficult no matter how much you have to lose-- but I completely feel that needing to lose 160#'s(+) is a whole other ballgame than the 40# they are carrying on about.

I've never desired to strike up conversations with folks I barely know and offer details of my personal health. I really do wish them well in their health journey-- but for goodness sake I don't need an update every time you get more blood drawn.

I know people who have struggled with 50 pounds for years.. Its still hard, whether you have a little or a lot to lose, when you can't lose it.. I would probably just say something polite about how busy I am and sorry I need to get back to work.

However.. I totally understand!! My Best friend bitches about her weight, but eats TERRIBLY.. carbs.. soda.. etc.. never works out.. I've invited her for years to work out with me.. and then once in awhile, she's going to work out with some people from work.. like.. whats wrong with me? The reason is.. she ain't gonna do it! And here I struggle with over 100+ pounds to lose, eat right, exercise and can't lose 5 pounds (pre surgery) to save my life!

Edited August 21, 201511 yr by Chrystee

I don't think most people want to hear about our troubles. They're too busy thinking about their troubles.

I am frustrated when people only talk to me about weight loss. My hobbies and interests are the same now as they were before. I am not a food cop and I do not care if someone is eating healthy 24/7. I get irritated when people think I am judging them.

I think it's more a matter of subject matter comfort level.......or non-comfort level.

Folks with normal weight issues talk about it freely among each other. It's no big deal. Standard conversation topic.

Folks.....like me......with overweight issues really don't care to talk about it......to the point where it's a taboo subject. I know I avoid discussing it like the plague. It's been that way for me long enough to have become my knee-jerk reaction when the topic comes up. I tend to get overly defensive if pressed on the matter. To them....it's a simple topic.....to me it's bad juju.

I don't have a clue if this will ever change for me. I suspect it may. Perhaps after 200 pounds burned off and many, many miles on the treadmill and a fun-filled lifestyle will bring me to the point where such talk is routine.