Just tell them you are making healthier choices and it’s working. That is all you need to say. Don’t need to clarify any further. You don’t owe anybody anything. People just like to bring others down when they are trying to better themselves. (Speaking from experience as people in my family and friend group always did this too and I just stopped telling them)
You’ll always get other people’s unwanted input on big life changes (buying a house or car, going back to school, etc) because it brings out others insecurities. Just recognize the person making the comment is trying to make themselves feel better in the now stark contrast between you.
I have found it the simplest out of all diets or eating plans (for dealing with other people). It was a month before my family even noticed I was doing 16/18/20 hour fasts. It basically amounts to skipping breakfast at the usual time, maybe eating lunch a little later than normal some days and then just not snacking in the evenings after mealtimes.
On days where circumstances/society requires you to eat later in the evening you could just have an OMAD day.
I’m finding explanations are rarely required.
As much as possible, don’t tell other people that you are fasting. It’s not normal in American culture, so they will jump to the conclusion that you have an eating disorder.
Then when you do lose weight in a healthy way, what actually happens? You’re exposing all the people around you who think that being fat and unhealthy is “normal” or “there’s no alternative.” This makes them feel terrible!
Solution: I have no easy solution. Try to find a different group of people to spend time with. Even in the South or Midwest there must be some healthy people. Doing some sports or outdoor activity is one way to find them.
Doctors. Unfortunately, in my own experience (even in SF Bay Area) most of them would rather push pills to a fat and unhealthy person than have someone healthy who does something “different.”
Good luck. It sounds like you’ve found a good path for yourself.
It’s your body and your life. If they compliment you just graciously accept the compliment. If they act concerned tell them you are improving your health with the care of your physician. That is what I used to say. Now I work at home and enjoy my fasts in peace!
i shut down all conversation about my size or what i eat immediately and say as little as possible. people get defensive real quick and it’s so easy to say something that people can twist into a personal attack and then they demonize you and sometimes go as far as bullying you and ruining your life/job/neighborhood/relationships/etc. i don’t even mention that i exercise because i’ve had people pick fights with me about it in the office. jealousy is an ugly demon.
If you don’t want to hear about it, then that’s what you tell them. If you don’t want to have to provide reasons or excuses, then don’t. The world exists around you, you can’t be afraid of it or mad at it for operating the way it does and has forever… people are curious beings and thrive as a community that communicates and is involved. You don’t have to feel guilty about losing weight - people who shame weight loss are mentally unstable. If your intent is to be healthier, losing weight achieves that.