How do you compliment someone who's lost an extreme amount of weight?

[kennancat]

Here's a question that might be kind of sensitive. I have a former co-worker whom I still run into now and again. I've started to notice that he's losing weight. I'm no health professional, but I would guess that he probably needed to lose about 150 pounds to get into what would be considered a healthy range, and I'd that he's lost about 50 pounds thus far. I'd like to congratulate him on the weight loss, but I'm not sure of the right way to say it. I'm afraid if I say "oh, you look great" it'll sound like "because you looked so bad before" and knowing that he probably still has more to go. Plus, I'd really prefer to focus on the health aspects of losing that amount of weight rather than appearance anyway. Any suggestions?

[Cyndiu]

I can only speak for myself, but, I've lost 30 lbs. with 50 more to go and when someone tells me I look great, I LOVE it!

[WebmasterKathy]

I think a sincere, "You look great!" is ALWAYS appropriate and appreciated.

[luvmydogs]

Hi kennancat!

First of all, I want to tell you how considerate you're being by taking into account the possible sensitivities of your former co-worker! You're very thoughful!:)

I second KathyTX's words. I've lost 110 pounds and there is nothing like a big smile and a heartfelt "you look terrific!" Those few words always made my day, and I'm sincerely appreciative when someone takes the time to say them!

[KimRaye]

Another vote for the sincere "YOU LOOK GREAT"! I hadn't heard ANYTHING for several months, and when I finally heard those words, I think I glowed for a week! It FELT FAB-U-LOUS!!

And I agree, you are a very considerate person to even ask first, but I'll bet this co-worker is just WAITING for SOMEONE to say SOMETHING! ;)

[disboo]

How do you say it? LOUDLY!! He will be glad you noticed, and you won't be saying he wasn't wonderful. I have lost 85+ pounds, and I love every compliment I get. I know people liked me before, and like me now - and I do look better now!

[ZerasPride]

I think it's great that you are concerned about your coworkers feelings and want to say it in the right way.

One of the girls at my work came up to me and asked me if my head was shrinking. I said no. She asked me if I was shorter. I told her no again. She said that something was different but she couldn't quite place it. At the time I had lost about 50 pounds and told her so. She looked so embarassed and I couldn't help but rib her about it!

I've lost almost 70 pounds now and when she sees me she still insists that my head looks smaller and that I just look so petite. She even calls me "skinny" now. I just love it!!!

Long story short, if your coworker has lost 50 pounds, and you tell him how great he looks - anyway you put it, I am sure he will take it as a compliment.

[LuvTigger]

Ditto the above. People come up to me and say, "you've lost weight," and I take absolutely no offense at all. In fact, I am happy that other people notice! I've told people they look good, and I can tell that they are happy that others can see the results, even if they're not at their goal yet. I think it helps motivate them.

He obviously is making an effort to lose weight and I'm sure would love to hear how great he is looking!