Real-Life Weight Loss Story: US-based Justin O’Regan, a self-proclaimed weight loss coach, has gained attention on social media for his major weight loss journey and how he keeps sharing tips regarding his fitness regime. In his early 20s, Justin frequently shares his experiences on Instagram, where he reflects on the emotional challenges of shedding over 130 pounds (58.9 kg).
In one of his recent videos from July 2024, Justin opened up about how losing weight has been "low-key embarrassing" for him, a topic not often discussed in the weight loss community. Alongside the video, he captioned, "Can anyone relate?" expressing a sentiment that resonated with many viewers.
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A post shared by Justin O’Regan | Weight Loss Coach (@phobiaz)
In the video, Justin candidly discussed his mixed feelings about receiving compliments during his weight loss journey. "Why does nobody talk about how it is low-key embarrassing to lose weight?" he asked. "I've lost over 130 pounds, but every time I tried to lose weight when I was younger, someone would point it out, like, 'Hey dude, I saw you lost 5 pounds, good work' or 'How's that diet going?' I felt like my darkest secret had been exposed."
Justin explained that the public acknowledgement of his weight loss made him uncomfortable, as it reinforced the idea that others were aware of his previous struggles with weight. "It’s almost like if nobody realized I was actively trying to lose weight, they wouldn’t know I was fat," he added. This insecurity led him to hide fitness-related apps, like the Fitness Powell app, on his phone to avoid others connecting his weight loss efforts to his past weight issues.
He further elaborated on the denial many people experience while gaining weight. “It’s the next level of denial you have when gaining weight—avoiding the scale because that would make it real,” Justin said.
The feeling of being "low-key embarrassed" to lose weight, as described by people like Justin O'Regan, happens due to several emotional and psychological factors:
1. Increased attention and visibility: Losing weight often draws attention, and people may comment on your progress. While the compliments are usually well-intentioned, they can feel uncomfortable or invasive, especially if the person losing weight prefers privacy or isn’t used to being in the spotlight. Public acknowledgement can feel like a constant reminder of their previous weight, reinforcing the idea that others have been closely noticing their body all along.
2. Shame or insecurity about past weight: For many, weight loss is a personal journey tied to deeper feelings of shame, insecurity, or low self-esteem about their previous weight. Being congratulated on losing weight may inadvertently remind them of their struggles with being overweight, making them feel self-conscious.
3. Fear of judgment: There is often a fear that people will judge or label them based on their weight loss journey. Comments like “How’s the diet going?” or “You’ve lost weight!” can make someone feel as if they’re under constant scrutiny. The fear is that if they fail to maintain their progress, people will notice and judge them negatively.
4. Feeling exposed: Trying to lose weight is a deeply personal endeavour, and when people comment on it, it can feel like exposing a vulnerability. Some people, like Justin, feel as though their “darkest secret” is being exposed, as their efforts to lose weight become public knowledge, even if they prefer to keep that part of their life private.
5. Associating weight loss with self-worth: Society often places a lot of emphasis on appearance, and weight loss can be tied to notions of self-worth. When someone acknowledges their weight loss, it can make the individual feel like they’re only being valued for their physical transformation, rather than for who they are beyond their body.
6. Denial of weight issues: Some people, like Justin, admit that they were in denial about their weight issues for a long time. Admitting to weight loss can be equivalent to accepting that they had a weight problem in the first place, which can be hard to face emotionally.