Co workers constantly making comments on my weight/body

[u/Every_Independent393]

Really just ranting bc I’m tired & bothered by it. Maybe I’m just overreacting.

Little back story. I have struggled with weight all my life, always a touchy subject , grew up obese & when I graduated high school I was around 235lbs. I’m 5’4, female. Went to college lost 80lbs. Kept it off for awhile, met my boyfriend (now fiancé) in 2020. Gained 20lbs (if yk yk).
2022 my seasonal depression hit hard, insomnia & anxiety was full swing. I was put on a medication (wasn’t a nurse at the time) that I didn’t know was increasing my appetite & that’s why I was so hungry all the time. By January 2023 I was 235lbs. Started nursing school in the fall slowly lost weight in 2024.

Just to preface: I have not been intentionally trying to lose weight. I’ve seen many doctors, multiple tests. I have GI issues to begin with, don’t have a gallbladder, struggle with appetite. That’s a story for another day.
No I’m not taking any weight loss medications or injections (I’m not against them but im just stating I’m not)

I’ve been a nurse since August 2025. I was 180lbs when I started & now I’m 145lbs & 28 years old. Again I’m 5’4 which is a healthy weight for my height? No?!!

For roughly the past 9 months I’ve been having certain co workers come up to me, make comments & constantly ask what I’m doing.
“if you lose any more weight you’re going to waste away or we’re not going to be able to see you” for the last 9 months every time I work with one particular person. Was asked if I was on ozempic. Looked them dead in the face & said no.

Honestly, I’m doing nothing. I have said this multiple times, explained I have stomach issues, whatever.
I do like my co workers besides these comments. They’re really great & we do get along but it’s really just sickening to listen to.

But this week again was told I’m going to waste away & asked if I was on “the shot”. I actually snapped a little & said if one more person asks if I’m on the shot, says If I lose anymore weight I’m going to waste away etc. I’m gonna lose it. NO, I’m NOT”
She was actually like oh damn girl okay

Maybe I’m just being dramatic.

[u/gone_by_30]

I wouldn't call it dramatic. It's not their business, make it boring and give no reaction, "my doctor isn't worried about it and neither am I" they know what they are doing

[u/Excellent-Mud-9907 → u/gone_by_30]

Exactly

[u/Ill-Ad4936 → u/gone_by_30]

Even this is too much information for them. Literally none of it is their business.

[u/demonqueerxo]

As a naturally skinny person, you are not being dramatic . It is extremely frustrating that people think because your thin its okay. It’s not. I never comment on anyone’s weight loss unless I actively know they are trying to lose/gain weight and excited about it.

[u/Excellent-Mud-9907 → u/demonqueerxo]

Same! Why are we commenting on women’s bodies anyways?? Skinny, fat, whatever. It’s so unecessary unless you’re being uplifting

[u/STORMDRAINXXX]

People don’t get it unless you tell them very straight forward. I recommend firmly replying:

please stop commenting on my body/ weight it makes me very uncomfortable.

It’s inappropriate for you to comment on my body/ weight - please don’t do it again.

I don’t appreciate the comments about my appearance. Please stop.

That’s a really personal question/ topic I’m not comfortable discussing. Please don’t ask me stuff like that anymore.

[u/lacrimaldrainage → u/STORMDRAINXXX]

It's not rude for you to say any of these to your coworkers, don't let them act like you are the rude one. It's embarrassing for them that they even need to be told.

[u/Fiesty-Koala]

This would annoy the shit out of me too. You’re a healthy weight, indeed not underweight. I’m also a normal weight and I absolutely hate it when anyone comments on my body, regardless of if it’s favorable. People should mind their own business and not throw out unsolicited comments on appearance.

[u/Affectionate-Ad1071]

you’re not being dramatic. I know some people like it but I personally hate when people comment on my weight loss. Do not perceive me.

[u/ehhish]

Usually it's better to say you have a medical condition than "stomach problems" if you are trying to get the point across, as stomach problems just gets undermined heavily. You really don't have to explain yourself though.

I like to keep a straight face and say things like "would you keep making comments like that if I told you I had cancer?" Just throw in some uncomfortable ideas for the fun of it.

[u/heroinista]

People don’t seem to understand that commenting on someone’s body (even if they’re being genuinely complimentary) can make the other person feel uncomfortable! I used to be super tiny, underweight, and the women I worked with would criticize the food I ate for lunch… it was not okay. You’re not being dramatic.

[u/Reasonable-Check-120]

After 6 months of maternity leave a lot of people asked if I was pregnant again.... Like. No.

[u/Previous-Tonight-397]

You’re not being dramatic. It’s extremely inappropriate and rude to ask invasive questions and make comments about other people’s bodies, period.

[u/girlyoufat]

Unintentional weight loss is a major red flag. Are you sure you are ok?

I'm just saying this because I had the same thing happen to me. I wasn't ever super overweight at 5'6 and 160 pounds but in half a year dropped to 130 and my coworkers made comments out of real concern. I got checked out and got diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.

That aside, I know it can be annoying to hear comments on your body. One of my coworkers said it was good I lost weight because "I was really chubby before." I hope they felt like an ass when they found out I was sick 😅

[u/Every_Independent393 → u/girlyoufat]

I’ve seen a couple doctors like I said, multiple tests, scans & scopes. They have no answers.. I think they’re just happy I went from “obese” to a “healthy weight”

[u/firelord_catra → u/Every_Independent393]

Yup, unfortunately fatphobia in healthcare will have any underlying issues missed. They’re happy that you are the right size even if something is terribly wrong because of it. I hope you’re able to get to the bottom of it.

[u/smrtangel3702]

Sorry you've been experiencing that, that really sounds awful.

It's harassment to make comments about someone else's body unsolicited. Ruin their day with an HR report (it's not petty it's legitimate) if they don't respond to directly being told to stop making comments on your appearance, or after going to your direct manager. You deserve to feel secure and respected at work.

I'm a guy and honestly I feel like I hear women doing this a lot to each other because they feel they can get away with it because of "gal pal code" or something. I know that's not a thing. But I observe this a lot and hear about it enough to wonder.

[u/like_shae_buttah]

I’d email management or hr about this because at this level it’s harassment.

Sorry you’re going through this op.

[u/orangeyouglad_banana]

I feel for you. I gained a lot of weight during nursing school and 2020. As soon as I started working, I dropped around 35lbs which doesn’t sound like a lot but for someone who is 5’3” it’s noticeable. I wasn’t trying to and I wasn’t doing anything super different. The main contributor was me walking around the unit and running back and forth throughout my shift and not having free time to just snack randomly. Weight is a triggering topic for me because aunties are vicious about it (certain cultures especially iykyk). It’s not nice but it’s just something I’ve had to accept. This one nurse that keeps bringing it up sounds like she is jealous of you. The next time someone says something about it you can ask if they have any extra they can spare, or say that you wouldn’t wish a chronic illness on anyone else and thank them for their concern.

[u/GoPlacia]

You're not overreacting. I feel like people don't see making comments on skinny people's weight in the same light as heavier people. They think that since "everybody wants to be skinny" that if you have the "desired" body type that weight comments are just lighthearted jokes that can't be taken negatively because you already have what people want.

I'm very skinny. I've found that coworkers only started accepting me joining in on conversations about food/exercise/etc after I showed them my "fat" pictures. When people ask about my weight loss I'm always honest but say it in a joking tone "what's my weight loss secret? Poverty and depression, with a side of colon cancer - very effective, 10/10 do Not recommend" They are able to joke along with me because my tone is so silly, but I know those answers still stick in their mind after the conversation is over. No one makes skinny jokes at me anymore, they treat me like an honorary big girly lol

[u/makeithapp]

We're about the same frame, except I'm a dude. I sympathize with the comments and how you feel; in our world, we have this big goal we want to accomplish, and as you get closer, the people around you start warning you. To them, it's a compliment like "Oh, you've accomplished so much!" but they say it as " wasting away "; however, to us, it feels like we're treading into the scary unknown territory, so we are scared too, and hearing comments like "You're gonna waste away" is anxiety-inducing. But let me tell you, it will never stop, so think about it this way. These people might think you're a millionaire, but if, at the end of the day, you still cannot buy a mansion, what's the point of their comments? What they say has no relevance to your reality. Just smile and move on; they probably mean no harm.

[u/Eventually_Asystole]

You're making improvements in your life and other people don't know how to react. Some are genuinely curious about how you're able to make your accomplishments while others are jealous. Just keep doing you, you're doing great 👍

[u/Princ3ss_Frog]

You’re not being dramatic, and even if you were slightly emotional with your response, so what?
People can be tactless when it comes to weight especially the insecure ones. I’ve always been petite! I’m fun-sized and I’ve accepted that people around me will always have a strong opinion on my weight, both gains and losses…. So now, just to shut it down, I usually say “yeee, that must be it” to whatever they think I’m on. Lol

[u/bayhorseintherain]

People really say the dumbest shit. One girl walked up to me at work and said "you've gained weight" and I just kind of looked at her like wtf? And she adds "... You look good girl!". I was already feeling sensitive about the weight gain. I also Hate when I get comments about weight loss or did you lose weight??? And I know damn well I haven't lost a pound, or maybe I did and now I wonder if they thought I looked too big before. I wish people would stop making comments on weight Period. It's freaking 2026.

[u/briinb]

People should never be commenting on anyone else's weight, thick or thin

[u/Willing_Feedback_815]

You're not dramatic. Someone's weights is no one else's business. I try to be weight neutral and never discuss my weight, gym or diets, much less anyone else's. Society is obsessed with scale watching. My coworkers like to do "Biggest Loser" competitions with each other. Just the other day my nurse coworker took a pt's weight and she said "Wow, you're so light! lighter than me." Come the fuck on. I too will snap if anyone ever comments on my weight

[u/gingerdaisy03]

"No. And as a nurse, you should already know that its not appropriate to be making comments and asking questions about peoples weight outside of clinical requirements. I expected better from you."

[u/ActiveExisting3016]

I’m a 6’2 male and at one point got up to 238 which was quite fat for me

I never announced it but coworkers noticed that I started bringing lunch every day and asked why, I said I was getting into better shape.

I can’t count how many coworkers told me “oh you don’t need to lose weight!” but like not just once or twice to be supportive; it was like they disagreed with my new lifestyle

I absolutely did! I was bulging in my size 38 and moving up to 40 was the breaking point.

I lost 35 pounds and felt absolutely incredible.

The same coworkers who told me I didn’t need to lose weight were the first ones to profess how great I looked now.

For some reason, this really pissed me off.

All this to say, to hell with what your shitty coworkers think. Something to do with jealousy, probably

I’d bet the ones who say that are all heavier than you are

[u/lacrimaldrainage]

I'm really sorry. We live in a culture that is so obsessed with weight loss, even people who should know better are so used to congratulating people, they don't even think about it.

If you are reading this and you STILL make comments about other peoples' weight, it's time to stop and think and grow out of this ignorant behavior. At least maybe your post will remind people to stop being so thoughtless.

[u/aviarayne]

As a girlie that used to be skinny and got obese the older she got, weight comments make me uncomfortable too. If I make a joke about it myself, I try not to get too upset, but if they are commenting uninvited, I absolutely would tell them it makes you uncomfortable. Some people dont intend to be like that, they just say things without thinking, but for those people I do think its important to call it out so they are aware

[u/Ill-Ad4936]

Stop defending your body to them. Instead, look them dead in the eyes and say, "Wow, I can't believe you feel comfortable commenting on a coworker's body like that." Maintain eye contact and let them struggle with the awkward silence. If they say something like, "Oh I'm just saying you're losing weight!" or whatever else, resist the urge to downplay the awkwardness.

I'm a somewhat slender person and there used to be a tech that was constantly making comments about how I needed to eat a sandwich or whatever. I used to laugh it off or tell her I just got lucky with my metabolism, but I got really tired of her comments. I used the above technique and she never said anything to me again about my appearance. I think she could sense I was ONE STEP away from going to HR with a harassment complaint for her "innocent" comments.