In a world that values appearance, complimenting someone on their weight loss might seem harmless or even positive. However, as an eating disorder specialist, I see firsthand the harm such comments can cause. Even well-intentioned compliments on weight can reinforce unhealthy societal beliefs and send damaging messages about a person’s worth.

When you comment on someone’s weight loss, you may unknowingly reinforce the idea that thinner bodies are better, more attractive, or healthier. This belief stems from diet culture, which glorifies thinness and stigmatizes larger bodies. But the truth is that body diversity is part of the natural human experience. Just as people have different heights, skin colors, or hair textures, bodies naturally come in all shapes and sizes.

The notion that "thin is better" isn’t a universal truth; it’s a socially........

© Psychology Today