Do you tell people?

[Awittyusernameishardtofind]

After failing at more diets than I can count I’ve decided not to tell people I’m on one AGAIN (aside from DP and you lovely internet strangers) I don’t exactly shout it from the rooftops normally but chat with the girls at work and when out with friends it usually comes up in conversation. I’ve always felt really ashamed when I fall off of the waggon.

I just wondered how others felt about it. Do you like the support of others knowing or like me does it feel less pressured not sharing?

[Siameasy]

Yes because it could make you more accountable.
I tell people also because I get offered foods I can’t eat. My family are used to me now. I pre empt any issues by saying I’m anti social.
People don’t like dieters tho and will try to push their “drugs” onto you, I find.

[DottieLottie1]

I started my diet just under 4 mo this ago. I've not told a sole, only mumsnetters are aware. Even my DH and DC don't know. I've just reduced my portion sizes and drink less alcohol. If I'm offered something that I'm avoiding I just say "I'm being good" but in a humorous manner. I've list 2st 4 lb so far. Only 2 people at work ha e noticed so far, I told then I've cut back alcohol consumption. Posting here makes you accountable.

[Awittyusernameishardtofind]

@DottieLottie1 wow it must be hard not telling your DH. Mine is such a feeder, I had to tell him. Especially with portion control and alcohol. I’ve ditched it to.

@Siameasy it is hard to avoid temptation when people are pushing it at you. There’s always cake in our office for some reason and people get really funny when you say ‘no thanks, I’m on a diet’ as if you’re being rude for not having ‘just a little slice’

I’ve been able to hold myself accountable so far (although I’m only two weeks in)

[PerfectionistProcrastinator]

DP knows and I’ve mentioned it once or twice to the odd person. But I don’t chat about it in general.

I read somewhere once that when you’re on a diet or start losing weight, if you chat to people about it and they notice and start to compliment you on it, it makes you less likely to succeed. Apparently because you already feel that you’ve achieved something so don’t try so much.

I’m not sure how true that is. But at the moment I feel like I just want to quietly chip away at my weight loss in private without anyone else monitoring what I’m eating or how I’m progressing.

[edgen2019]

Lost nearly four stone over the past year, never told anyone, but when my weight loss became obvious I was asked if I was ill! I then revealed all, went to Slimming World, find it harder to maintain than actually lose.

[Forgivable]

I thought telling people would make me accountable but it didn't, just made me ashamed when I fell off the wagon.

I'm back at slimming world and have told only friends. Nobody at work knows and I've only lost half a stone so far!

[3dogs2cats]

No, haven’t told anyone except Dh, who is really supportive. I think people judge and wait for you to fail. stopped smoking last year for the thousandth time and I think not saying anything really helped.

[Bibidy]

I think it's best not to tell people.

I have found that some people will become weirdly competitive or try and push you off-course by offering you treats and sweets etc. Particularly work colleagues.

I have just posted about the lack of support my OH is providing at the moment too, I wish I hadn't told him as I feel like now he knows I'm consciously dieting he's always trying to push me off course.

Also if no one know you're trying to lose weight, you can use other excuses to get out of dinners out/takeaway, whereas if they know it's due to diet they will keep hassling you to 'have a treat' or a day off. If they don't know you can just say you can't afford it or whatever and they won't bat an eyelid.

[ShirleyB50]

So true what Bibidy says, Gets right on my nerves at work when people constantly comment on what you're eating (or not eating). I think it's sooo rude to comment, and never comment on what other people are eating. Surely that's just their business?

In answer to the OP's question - no, I wouldn't tell people, particularly those at work.

[Awittyusernameishardtofind]

I get what you mean about work colleagues getting weirdly competitive.

People always ask how much you have lost and when you say 1lb (which is a sensible amount that you’ve probably worked your butt off for) you get ‘is that all?’