One of the things that many people do without thinking twice is complimenting their weight loss. "How good you look! You have lost a lot of weight!", is an expression that is often heard and thought of as something positive. But is it really? Does this compliment help, or does it actually create undue pressure and feed toxic standards on physical appearance?
To many, such a comment may seem innocent, even encouraging. But in reality, weight loss compliments often place too much importance on appearance and can instill insecurity in the recipient.
When compliments become toxic
The moment someone is complimented on losing weight, there is an implicit message: that their previous appearance was not satisfactory. This not only puts people in a difficult position, but can also cause a constant obsession with weight and appearance.
Furthermore, no one knows why someone has lost weight. It can be the result of intentional and positive change, but it can just as well be the result of stress, illness or difficult experiences. A weight compliment in these circumstances can deepen the emotional suffering of someone who may be going through a difficult time.
For example, imagine someone who has lost weight due to anxiety or depression. A positive comment about this loss can reinforce the mistaken belief that only when one looks weaker is acceptable in society.
In modern society, through social media and pop culture, terms like "glow up" and "body transformation" are often promoted, which often have the purpose of slimming down. We've also heard the term "revenge body" many times - the idea that someone needs to lose weight to get "revenge" on others who didn't appreciate them before.
These implicit messages create a toxic culture that is concerned with appearance, ignoring the fact that bodies are different and change naturally throughout life. Instead of promoting a culture of wellness and body acceptance, many such compliments reinforce the false expectation that every "good" body must be lean and perfectly toned.
If you want to give a compliment, focus on the person's qualities and accomplishments that are unrelated to physical appearance. You can say:
• "You have a very positive energy lately!"
• "You seem to be feeling very well, it reflects on you!"
• "How wonderful is what you have recently achieved!"
By complimenting something other than looks, you help create an environment where people feel valued for who they are and the value they bring, not how they look.
Remember that the scale does not determine the value of a person. Happiness, mental health and emotional well-being are much more important than a number in kilograms. Try to be careful with the compliments you give and think about the feelings they can cause in the person in front of you.
Suggested Articles:
