At first when I started thinking about this article, I thought, I can’t possibly relate to this, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I absolutely can. Several clients of mine have experienced a significant amount of weight loss (in the range of 20-30 lbs) and on a person with a small frame, the change is VERY noticeable.  So WHAT on earth is wrong with THAT? Successful weight loss is something to celebrate, right?  Well, of course it is, particularly when you make it STICK.  You’ll want to be prepared for not just a new wardrobe, but for some potentially unwanted attention, curious comments, general nosiness about what you’re eating, what you’re doing in the gym.  As a close friend put it, what might go behind the “fear of success” is the “fear of visibility.”  As a trainer, I know that people watch me when I lift and can be especially curious of what I eat, so I can certainly imagine what might be going on with you.

I lost the baby weight, and sacrificed a cupcake or three.

With 20-30 lbs off your frame (or less or more), you become much more noticeable.  While I certainly congratulate the great weight loss successes, it’s not like we’re saving lives or creating world peace here. Nevertheless the amount of unnecessary and undue attention that will be heaved upon you will make you feel like quite the hero.  At some point, after you get tired of your clothes swimming on you, you may find yourself tired of being public property- with everyone and their momma watching what you eat, why you eat that, and WHY you’re eating all the time.  This has happened to me, so I relate, but I had to tell myself that people really are that insecure about their bodies and relationships with food.  Someone even had the nerve to imply I had an eating disorder.  If anyone’s seen how much I eat, the comment was truly stupid and laughable.