While sitting at the hairdresser, I picked up an US magazine.  I don't typically read all of the letters to the editor in magazines I don't read regularly.  However, I was drawn to a paragraph about Oprah.  It is safe to bet that they covered her announcement of her weight gain and the embarrassment she feels in a previous issue.  What magazine would pass up that chance.  The writer who also weighed 200 pounds after a 46 pound weight loss has had enough of the talk of Oprah's weight.  What I found interesting is that it seemed that this writer thought that Oprah's perspective on her 200 pounds should be different, and more like her own take.  Instead of being upset and embarrassed, the writer believed Oprah should be grateful.  Weight gain, loss and maintenance is truly a personal matter.  The standards and goals of the writer are not the same as those for Oprah.  Why would Oprah be bound by the limits placed on her by another? Because this woman weighs 200 pounds and is apparently happy about reaching this goal, why would she think Oprah should be satisfied with the same result? 

It reminds me that people frequently share their unsolicited advice on the weight-loss plans of others.  It has been my personal experience that people will tell me that I don't need to lose any weight.  In fact, I have received comments on how great my weight loss looks when I've gained weight and feel as if I'm busting out of my clothes.  These comments and recommendations are based on their keen observations.  No data, no science, no medical foundation need to be considered, it is simply an opinion shared.  While these individuals may be well meaning (and I'm not convinced that all of them mean well), their advice should be ignored.  Determining a goal weight needs to be based on some facts that include a true evaluation of health.  Outside observers rarely have the information to provide any substantive guidance.  In addition, there assessments are typically relative to other people.  A grade of 65 looks good in comparison to a 50, but neither of these grades should be goals.

I've been working on being pleasant and mostly silent when faced with such comments.  There really is no convincing possible.  Besides, focusing on the goal is the best use of energy.  As for the writer, focusing on her own goal is probably her best strategy as well.