Should you tell everyone you’re trying to lose weight, or keep it to yourself? Coach Jeri shares the benefits and drawbacks of sharing your goals, how to build a supportive environment, and why choosing the right people to confide in can make all the difference on your journey.
By Coach Jeri
Have you ever found yourself wondering if you should you tell your family, friends, and coworkers that you’re trying to lose weight? It’s a personal choice with clear pros and cons. For some people, sharing creates accountability. For others, it increases the risk of embarrassment or shame if they stumble along the way.
For some people, telling others creates accountability and encouragement. For others, it can increase feelings of embarrassment or shame if they hit a rough patch. Instead of making a blanket announcement to everyone, consider keeping your goals private while you get comfortable with the small changes that will help you succeed, like adding regular exercise, making healthier food choices, or building new daily habits.
Before sharing your plans with others, be practical about your goals. Unrealistic expectations almost always lead to disappointment and feelings of defeat. The illusion of progress can happen when we announce a big goal or join a challenge before we’ve actually built the habits needed to succeed. Talking about change feels good, but lasting success comes from consistently putting in the work.
As with most things in life, there is a healthy middle ground. You won’t lose weight simply by talking about it—there is real work involved—but having the right support system can become one of your greatest assets.
Before deciding who you want to tell, do a little homework first. Find a food plan that truly fits your lifestyle, write down realistic goals, begin incorporating regular movement, and consider visiting your healthcare provider to make sure you’re in good health. It’s helpful to know if you have underlying concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or blood sugar issues so you can choose the plan that’s best for you.
If you decide to share your goals, be selective.
Tell the people who prepare meals for you so they can help support your healthier choices. Share with family members who live with you and have shown they will encourage you. Find a trusted friend with similar goals who will motivate you rather than judge you.
Sharing your goals with people who are in similar circumstances can create a positive, encouraging environment. Having a supportive accountability system behind you can make a tremendous difference on the difficult days.
Supportive family members and friends can remind you why you started when you’re tempted to give up or fall back into old habits. Sometimes we simply need someone to believe in us until we believe in ourselves again.
If you’re part of a meeting group or an encouraging community, you’ll find inspiration, practical ideas, and reassurance from people who truly understand the challenges you’re facing.
Knowing that people are rooting for you can help you stay focused. The thought of letting down those who genuinely support your success may provide just enough motivation to keep moving forward.
Seek out friends who already prioritize healthy living. Spending time with people who model balanced eating and active lifestyles often encourages you to make healthier choices yourself.
We all have those “know-it-all” people in our lives. Unwanted opinions, constant advice, or the “food police” can create unnecessary stress and emotional discomfort. I actually once had a friend tell me bananas were fattening!
Some people may unknowingly—or even intentionally—make your journey more difficult. It may come from jealousy, insecurity, or simply missing their favorite food buddy. People who struggle with their own eating habits sometimes feel uncomfortable watching someone else make positive changes.
You want encouragement—not constant monitoring. If you don’t feel someone will be 100% in your corner, cheering you on without criticism, it may be best to wait until you’ve built some confidence and consistency before sharing your goals with them.
If the people around you consistently encourage you to bring home foods that don’t fit your plan or regularly tempt you with foods that trigger overeating, it may be time for an honest conversation.
Explain how serious you are about improving your health and why this journey matters to you. Most people who truly care about you will respond with understanding and respect. Don’t worry about the small adjustments others may need to make. Healthier meals and better food choices can benefit everyone in the household.
Remember, the goal isn’t to worry about how quickly you’ll lose weight or how many pounds disappear each week. The real goal is building a healthier lifestyle that you can maintain for years to come.
Take it one day at a time. Stay focused on building healthy habits rather than chasing perfection. The results will come naturally, and the people who truly love and support you will be standing in the crowd, cheering you on every step of the way.
June 26, 2026
