How to deal with weight-loss jealousy

YOU DID IT! You cleaned up your diet, committed to daily exercise and finally shed those extra 30, 50 or 100 pounds. You worked hard to lose every single pound, and you have every reason to celebrate your healthier, happier and hotter self!

Undoubtedly, losing weight can have a significant impact on your life, and while most of the effects are positive, there are some unexpected negative ones that can take you for a loop and possibly derail your success.

Along with the weight loss, you may lose something unexpected - some friends or even a partner. While that may sound shocking, everybody is not celebrating your newfound health and hot body. More often than not, the green-eyed monster almost always rears its ugly jealous head and unleashes hateration when someone is winning at the losing game.

Let's do a little flashback: When you were eating poorly, not exercising and not taking good care of yourself, mum was the word. No one said a thing, at least not to you. No one said, "I'm concerned about your health, you're putting on too much weight, what can I do to help you regain control?"

But, the moment you started to slim down and look good, then everybody wanted to give you their unsolicited advice. "I liked the old you," or, "Oh my god, don't lose any more weight. People are going to think you're on crack."

So, be warned: As you go along your journey, be prepared for the backhanded compliments, the unsolicited advice and the loss of some friendships. Here are four things you may encounter and need to prepare for:

Exclusion Act: Now that you've slimmed down, everybody will claim that you have changed and turned into a different person, and they may conveniently disinvite you to parties or restaurant outings. Expect to hear things like: "Now that you've lost weight, you're just not fun anymore. Oh my god, with all of your dietary restrictions, you're a real restaurant killjoy."

Lost Femininity: "Girl, now you really look like a man." This is a common insult to women who have seriously taken up weight training. Now that you have gotten rid of your bat wings and have a little definition in your arms, other women will try to steal your thunder by saying that you've lost your femininity. 

Birds of a Feather: By and large, it's true: Birds of a feather do flock together. As you go along your weight-loss journey, naturally you will meet like-minded individuals and embrace new friendships. These people will become your new workout family, support group, running club and recipe swappers. Some of your old friends may not dig these people and try to stymie the relationships.

Insecure Spouse: Your weight loss may scare the bejesus out of your spouse or partner. The extra attention you're getting may stoke the flames of insecurity in him or her and lead to some irrational imaginings. This insecurity may lead your spouse to erroneously believe that he or she is no longer good enough in your eyes. Or worse, the resentment may have your spouse wondering if a new lover is waiting in the wings.

So, should you encounter any of the aforementioned, take it in stride and remember that the insecurities and resentments of others is all about them, not you. As difficult as it may be, don't take it personal and don't let them rain on your parade, baby.