Some of the worst things to say to someone who’s dieting are obvious while others - not so much. In today’s age and time, dieting has become one of the most controversial issues that none of us can seem to escape. We all know there are just some things you really don’t want to hear when you’re on a diet, so how about we give the same courtesy to others. Even if you don’t agree with someone’s diet, be sure you avoid some of the worst things to say to someone who is dieting and remember "to each her own”.
1 You’re Too Skinny
Telling someone they’re too skinny is one of the worst things to say to someone who's dieting. It's a very negative way of saying you've noticed they have lost weight. Instead, perhaps you could say, “You’ve lost a lot of weight. How are you feeling?”
Frequently asked questions
2 I Bet You Just Eat Salads, Right?
It's unfair to assume everyone who diets just eats rabbit food for all their meals. How about saying, “I’d love to know what you eat. I’m always looking for more filling meals other than salads.”
3 You Don’t Look Healthy
When someone loses weight on a diet, their appearance can change dramatically, however that doesn't meant you have to show you have noticed in a negative way. If you’re concerned about them then try saying, “No matter what you weigh, I just want you to be healthy and happy.”
4 What Kind of Pill do You Take?
It's easy to automatically assume someone who loses weight takes diet pills, but that's simply not true. How about just asking,“Oh wow, what’s your new meal and supplement plan like?”
5 Diets Are a Waste of Time
Even if you think this statement is true, dieting isn’t a waste of time for people that need to lose weight on a medical level. Dieting is also hard and the last thing you want to do is add discouragement to someone’s life by telling them it’s a waste of time. It’s best to keep your opinions to yourself and just say, “Well I really hope it works out for you. Good luck!”
6 You’ll Just Gain the Weight Back
There’s a misconception that all diets eventually fail and that’s actually not true. Some people go on a healthy diet that they can withstand for life. For instance, medically proven diets like a plant-based diet or a heart-healthy diet, are sustainable enough for someone to do their entire life. Instead of making assumptions, how about just saying, “I’d love to learn the lifetime benefits and research studies on that diet. It sounds interesting.”
7 I Can’t Tell You’ve Lost Weight
Even if you really can’t tell that someone is dieting, this statement isn't a good idea. During the early stages of dieting, someone might not lose weight because their body is adjusting to the change. So instead of bursting their bubble, how about saying, “I can’t wait to see how successful you are. Keep it up!”
If you know someone close to you who’s not eating or is dieting on a dangerous level, then you may want to express your concerns in a gentle way and help them find some nutritional help. However, if you’re not in a close relationship with someone, it’s sometimes best just not to say anything and keep the peace. What do you usually say to someone you know who’s going on a diet?
