There's an interesting discussion on the boards over at Runners World about people making snide comments to newbie exercisers who have lost weight.
It was a painful reminder of my own experience as a fat chick turned fit chick.
The fact of the matter is that some people hate to see other people succeed -- particularly if it's something they desperately want for themselves.
It's raw, unadulterated jealousy.
If you've been heavy for quite some time and you are now losing weight -- you can probably plan on losing a "friend" or two, too. And, I'm putting the term "friend" in quotes because anyone who hates you for getting healthy is not a friend.
Here's the brutal truth about losing weight, ladies (and I say ladies because this is, this is 98% a female thing): Not everyone is going to be happy for you. Some of your "friends" will be so jealous they can't stand to look at you. They will resent your success, despise your thinner thighs, mock your new passion for exercise, tempt you with high-fat treats and miss no chance to make you feel guilty about your achievements.
Sad, but true.
Just walk away (better yet, run away) from that relationship. Wash your hands of it -- there's no good to come of being made to feel guilty for who you are now.
I have a "friend" who feels the need to make me feel guilty about my thinness and/or fitness and/or running habits every time I see her. As in "...well, I mean, like you'd know..you're so thin!" or "...I suppose you were out running in this stuff this morning?" She's envious and completely insecure and it makes me want to scream..."YOU CAN DO THIS, TOO!" And I wish she'd just like who I am inside instead of getting so caught up on the packaging.
I find myself routinely avoiding her because I don't want to deal with her baggage.
If the person making snide comments is someone you care deeply about and you don't want to lose the relationship my advice to you is to gently, quietly and very, very discretely get them onto the fitness track, too. You've got the key -- you figured it out -- it's your duty to help and encourage others now. Tread lightly -- push too hard and they'll resent your efforts to "fix" them. Offer to go for walks with them. Choose restaurants that offer low-fat fare. Invite them to see you finish a local race. And, be straight up with them -- flat out tell them that you don't want to be made to feel guilty for the new life you're embracing.
Invite them to embrace it, too -- cause it really is a wonderful way to live, isn't it?