Diane, I'm proud of your friend for taking the initiative and taking control of her health.(Guess I feel I have an opinion in this) I believe that there are people who despite calorie deprivation, exercise and essentially following all of the rules, find they can't lose weight. And she should be proud that she made this option work for her.
I think we find the weight loss and gains of others fascinating because in others we see ourselves. It seems to be human nature to use others as a barometer to measure our own successes and failures. Other people can inspire us and maybe give us examples of what not to do. Why the fascination with weight in particular? It seems to be the most immediate identifying factor for people. And unfortunately, Schadenfreude also seems to be human nature. Perhaps we enjoy the failure of others because in our minds, it allows us a little slack.
And if someone has said they are on a diet, I think it's fine to talk with the other person about weight. If a friend or family member has lost weight but hasn't said anything, I may make an encouraging comment, but also keep in mind that weight loss could be the result of an unwanted health condition or issue. I think it just depends on the person.
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Diane, I'm proud of your friend for taking the initiative and taking control of her health.(Guess I feel I have an opinion in this) I believe that there are people who despite calorie deprivation, exercise and essentially following all of the rules, find they can't lose weight. And she should be proud that she made this option work for her.
I think we find the weight loss and gains of others fascinating because in others we see ourselves. It seems to be human nature to use others as a barometer to measure our own successes and failures. Other people can inspire us and maybe give us examples of what not to do. Why the fascination with weight in particular? It seems to be the most immediate identifying factor for people. And unfortunately, Schadenfreude also seems to be human nature. Perhaps we enjoy the failure of others because in our minds, it allows us a little slack.
And if someone has said they are on a diet, I think it's fine to talk with the other person about weight. If a friend or family member has lost weight but hasn't said anything, I may make an encouraging comment, but also keep in mind that weight loss could be the result of an unwanted health condition or issue. I think it just depends on the person.
August 21, 2009 - 9:54amThis Comment
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