It’s happened to me for years and I know I’m not alone. Lately, I’ve been pretty open with my need to lose weight due to doctor’s orders. It’s funny how people feel this overwhelming need to give you unsolicited advice when you share something like that with them. I have a few friends that are happy standing on the sidelines but, for the most part, I’ve found the majority of people that have heard my recent news are full of weight loss tips I never asked for.

Here’s the thing, I don’t mind advice. I love getting help from all sorts of different sources so that I can make the most educated decisions possible. However, I’d prefer to ask for the advice. Over time I’ve learned that for some reason people assume that if you’re overweight, it’s because you don’t know how to live healthy or lose the weight. This stereotype is so frustrating and it’s absolutely not true. I know how to lose weight- eat right and exercise- it’s that simple. It’s just I don’t want to put in the major commitment it takes. I’m a busy woman and don’t have a lot of time on my hands. That’s my personal reason for my current weight and I know many of you out there have your own battles with health issues that come into the mix.

I will never forget this moment, mainly because it was absolutely devastating at the time. I was at my step-brother’s funeral. He died young and we were very close. I was an absolute train wreck. A couple of aunts from his side of the family came up to me at one point and started feeling my belly. I told them that I wasn’t pregnant and instead of apologizing, the went on to give my weight loss tips. Frankly, I’m surprised I didn’t spontaneously combust.

Friends of plus size women, do us a favor and don’t give us your thoughts unless we ask. There’s a good chance we know what’s going on but there are more factors to the situation that you simply don’t understand.