The short explanation
Comments about weight, even when meant as concern, can hurt deeply and often make eating habits harder, not easier. Feeling ashamed or upset can lead to comfort eating, which then increases guilt. This is a common cycle, and it is not a sign of weakness. It may help to set gentle boundaries, such as saying that you prefer not to discuss your weight, or changing the subject. Focus on your own health goals rather than others' opinions. Finding other ways to cope with hurt feelings, like talking to someone you trust, walking or writing, can reduce emotional eating. If the feelings are strong or affect your mood, speaking with a counsellor can help.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Weight comments are common in Indian family settings and can affect women of all sizes.
- If you want to work on weight for your health, a doctor or dietitian can help you set your own goals.
- If you often eat large amounts quickly or feel out of control while eating, mention it to a doctor.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This cannot tell you how to handle your specific family situation. A counsellor can help you plan.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Can you help me with a healthy weight plan on my terms?
- Can you refer me to a counsellor?
- Could my eating pattern be binge eating?
- Should I check sugar or thyroid?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Emergency — call 112 now
- Call 112 if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if you feel very low, hopeless or out of control with eating.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine appointment if you want support with eating or weight.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Weight control MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Healthy diet World Health Organization
- Vegetarian diet MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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